Can you afford your safety school if you need a full ride? I think when one needs a full ride, you can’t worry about top 50, etc.
I am concerned you submitted your test to Tufts. I wouldn’t have.
I don’t see a test score for Wellesley but it might be another not worth it.
Can I ask why you didn’t apply via Questbridge? That would have given you 15 ED opportunities.
If it were me, I would apply to UNCC for the Levine Scholar Programs and at ECU for the Brinkley Lane Scholarship, which not only are full ride but have extra enrichment and study abroad stipends and more.
I just read a thread from a student at Louisville, that got into Brown and Wake. But he got a special scholarship at Louisville, and he has excelled.
My daughter got into higher ranked schools like W&L but went to College of Charleston in a special program and it was wonderful.
So don’t push aside programs like the Levine and Brinkley Lane - they can be wonderful, even if the name doesn’t impress you. Many kids do - one of my daughter’s best friends in her program chose Charleston over Penn, Rice, and Vandy.
You have two great ones in your state - so they might be worth a chance.
Why not? Are you basing your opinion on something other than Tufts’ direct guidance? This is from Tufts website:
Generally, we encourage applicants with scores of 1300 or higher on the SAT, or 28 or higher on the ACT to include those scores with their applications for admission.
In the most recent admissions cycle, first-year applicants who submitted scores were admitted to Tufts with scores ranging from 1240-1600 on the SAT and composite scores ranging from 26-36 on the ACT.
Without any experience or credentials in advising high school students, it’s irresponsible to counsel a FGLI student, really any student, to disregard a college’s direct guidance. Tufts is making the decision easy for applicants by giving them this guidance.
That’s your opinion. I explained why I feel otherwise.
25% of those who submitted are below 33. And yes, they admitted a 28 but it doesn’t mean they will in volume. U Chicago once showed they admitted a 20 - but it doesn’t mean it’s recommended.
It’s not irresponsible and there’s no reason to attack.
I respect your interpretation but I do have to side with Mwfan1921. It is very important that applicants carefully read all directions, requirements, and recommendations for college admissions, especially when directly stated on a website. When a college strongly recommends that a student submit test scores or e.g take a calculus class, there is a reason behind it.
anon2748592 is asking for suggested “reaches” to possibly apply to and the directions, requirements, and recommendations will vary.
That’s fair. My concern is Tufts is very wealthy (far above half are full pay) and yes, they want low income, but how/where do they find them? I don’t know if OP applied for voices of Tufts.
Other reaches are tough - not knowing where OP applied or if they have limitations (size, region, weather, single gender, etc.)
They’d have to run Net Price Calculators but presuming a $20K income, I’d think most would be a full ride.
But you have some that are need aware, that will turn down students based on the need. Some may require travel costs. Others may include.
I might look at Berea, Bryn Mawr, Franklin & Marshall, Grinnell, Lehigh, Smith, and W&L. While known for business, maybe Richmond too given distance to home.
But I put the prep scholar (3rd party) list of schools that meet need OP can look through. They could also look at the Quest Bridge list, as those schools might be interested too.
Re: @mwfan1921’s post - OP, your submission was fine. From their website:
Generally, we encourage applicants with scores of 1300 or higher on the SAT, or 28 or higher on the ACT to include those scores with their applications for admission.
In the most recent admissions cycle, first-year applicants who submitted scores were admitted to Tufts with scores ranging from 1240-1600 on the SAT and composite scores ranging from 26-36 on the ACT.
On their 2026 CDS, they note that (only) 42% of applicants reported their SAT scores and only 16% submitted ACT scores (and some students could possibly have submitted both). You have submitted an additional piece of information with a score that they encourage you to submit. OP, You are fine.
That’s terrific! You know you have a college spot already.
I think it’s fine to apply to these reach schools on your list. Fact is, you never know what will catch the attention of an adcom as they try to create the upcoming freshman class. Since you already have an acceptance, I say go for it.
I wouldn’t worry about having submitted or not your ACT score. I think you have a compelling HS story…working to help your family.
Good luck to you as you continue to navigate the college application and admissions process.
