<p>I just started my senior year at my new high school. My gpa is currently 2.8. It was a 2.3 after sophmore year but i got my act together last year and raised it five-tenths of a point. I recieved a 31 on the act(33-math and english, 30-science-26 Reading, 11-writing). If i were to get it up to like a 3.1, what would be one good match for me and one reach school.? I am also wondering if colleges would consider the fact that i have matured since my 2.3 days and if they would consider the fact that i have attended three high schools in three different states?</p>
<p>There are plenty -- hundreds -- of colleges that would accept you. Some might even give you merit aid.</p>
<p>You need to figure out first what you want from your college experience: size of school, co-ed, region of the country, cost, whether sports, Greek life, and other things are important, and then look for schools fitting those characteristics. </p>
<p>For instance, S, 20, had a 2190 SAT, gpa around 2.7, and is very happy at a second tier liberal arts college, which also gave him merit aid. He wanted a school with small classes, challenging academics, professors who enjoy teaching. He didn't want to go to a college at which sports dominate. He has blossomed in college, including being on dean's list, and being active -- including as a leader -- in various campus organizations. </p>
<p>So, figure out what makes you happy, then look for your reach, match and safeties.</p>
<p>Also, colleges are far more impressed by students like you whose grades are on an upswing than colleges are impressed by students who appear to have peaked.</p>
<p>An ACT score of 31 is an excellent score. Unfortunately a 2.8GPA at the start of your senior year is a bit of a problem since you only have one semester to raise your GPA in this college admissions process. This is likely to be the single most competitive year for college admissions. Several high quality LACs (liberal arts schools) will probably give your application a serious look. Your teacher recs may not be strong since you have changed schools. It is difficult to recommend schools for you based on the limited info. posted above. What would you like to study? What other interests do you want to pursue in college?</p>
<p>Thanks for your help, i really appreciate it. I am interested in study engineering(mechanical or nuclear), finance/banking or economics. I am not to sure what you mean by interests. Are you referring to activites like sports and student government or programs like study abroad?</p>
<p>Interests: all of the things you've listed plus things like whether you'd prefer to have big city amenities nearby or the amenities of a rural setting. In addition, would you consider going to a college affiliated with a religious denomination? </p>
<p>Also, are there any financial restrictions or parental restrictions on where you go to college? It's important to talk to your parents about what they are able and willing to pay. The total costs for some private colleges are more than $50 k a year. The majority of colleges are not able to meet the full financial need of all of their applicants. Even when colleges promise to meet 100% of students' need , it's the colleges, not the families who determine how much the need is, and the college may decide to meet the need by providing all of the aid in the form of loans.</p>
<p>Most college students go to a public institution within 250 miles of their home.</p>
<p>What is your gpa for each year? Many if not most colleges do not count freshman grades or PE/Health/Life Skills/Volunterring units in recalculating your gpa. Assuming your gpa has gone up each year, and assuming you throw out freshman grades, your gpa and pattern of improvement will tell a compelling story to the adcom reviewing your file... and will help shape the way you tell your story of maturation and improvement. Momentum is huge in admissions.</p>
<p>If those Bengals are the Cincy Bengals and you're in Ohio, Ohio U-Athens has a merit scholarship based solely on the ACT if you have a minimum of a 3.0. It's worth looking at. It would be a match. Good luck.</p>
<p>The</a> Gateway Award Program: Ohio University Admissions</p>
<p>I lived in ohio before, but would not get in-state tuition nor do i qualify for that scholarship. I am wondering if anyone has any information about how good the university of cinicnnati, purdue, and/or nc states nuclear engineering program is and whether or not i could get in with my previously listed gpa/act.</p>
<p>I don't know about the others, but Purdue would be be a good choice. It is fairly liberal with admissions, but has a tough, well-known engineering program. It's nuclear engineering program is small, but that, or your interests, could change.</p>