1st here are my stats
GPA: 3.8
weighted GPA: 4.6
SAT: 1590 (I’m going to retake at earliest date)
ACT: 23
All honors classes, 1 ap class, and 10 hours of college credit
I was in Eco club and prom committee
I took 2 straight years of French (which means French 1-4)
I volunteered a fair amount
I’ve received various awards
No sports
Class rank: 20/160 (or 161? I can’t remember exactly)
NC resident
White
Female
Anyways there’s my info
I graduated June 2015. I applied to North Carolina State University for fall 2015 and I got denied. When I called the lady said it was bc of low test scores. That was horrible for me since NC State was the only school I applied to bc of an unique major offered. (Design Studies) I applied in November and ultimately got waitlisted to find out that I didn’t make it in. Well I started researching other majors and the only one I really like is Event Planning. This major isn’t offered at many schools. I found University of Central Florida and I am going to apply for the Spring 2016 semester. Do you think I have a good chance? After NC State I just feel like I won’t be accepted anywhere. I’m nervous to bet everything on one school again. Any comments or advice is greatly appreciated.
I have to be honest, your inflated GPA doesn’t match those low test scores. I would try a CC first to prove to the schools that you can do the work at the college.
@“aunt bea” I have taken 4 college classes and gotten high Bs in two of them and high As in the others. One problem with my SAT was that I hadn’t taken a math class in a year since I already had all of my math credits and I forgot some of the stuff, but if I retake it and do well then I should be fine right? Thank you for the advice.
You might also want to consider some of the “test optional” schools that will take an even more holistic view of your accomplishments without letting your low test scores sully your record. There are a number of arts-oriented and design schools that are included, and some good liberal arts schools. Here’s a list:
Those are not low test scores, they are just average test scores for college bound SAT takers.
@EmilyeB I would strongly encourage you not to apply to only one school again unless it has a very high, like 80% or more admit rate. Reapply to NCSU as well as other affordable state schools. Can you pay the OOS rate at UCF? If so sure apply. Realize that there are less spots for out of staters at state schools. But don’t major in something like ‘event planning’, that is not a proper college major. It is too narrow.
NCSU 46% acceptance rate, so they are turning away over half of applicants for lack of seats
accepted student test scores in the 25% to 75% range
SAT Critical Reading 560 650
SAT Math 600 680
SAT Writing 540 630
most important factors in admission: rigor of courses, gpa, class rank, test scores. Essay is only considered. They require 4 years of math, did you have that?
So you can compare your breakdown and see if you are below that 25% mark which does make you a weaker candidate.
UCF 49% acceptance rate
accepted student test scores in the 25% to 75% range
SAT Critical Reading 540 640
SAT Math 550 640
SAT Writing 510 610
most important factors in admission: rigor of courses, gpa, class, test scores. Essay and recommendations are important. They require 4 years of math
LOTS of schools offer a version of event planning. A friend graduated a few years ago from Johnson & Wales (RI, but I bet it’s offered some of their other campuses.) Most have it under “hospitality.”
Here are the first 3 links I found when I googled… there are lots more.
You’re right-- applying to one and only school is a mistake. Find a bunch of schools that are likely to accept you, that are relatively affordable, and that you can see yourself attending.
I think you could do two things to substantially improve your odds:
Retake ACT with a test prep,
Reapply for fall 2016 to at least 6 colleges (with safeties) after a gap year spent working in event planning ( even if it is just hostessing/hosting or serving). Would give you insight on how it works and if you like it.
Alternatively, just enroll in a CC now for core courses and try transferring for fall 2016 to NC State.
I think the earlier poster is right. Your scores indicate that either you don’t test well, or your GPA is inflated. Your CC grades will ease their minds that you can handle it.
Be careful, the list of test-optional schools includes a lot of for-profit schools without transferable credits.
First, if you want to go to college this fall, there may still be some 4 year colleges that are accepting students on a rolling basis, there is a list somewhere on CC.
Second, NCSU obviously has an articulation agreement with your local CC or one in commuting distance or one with housing. Why not go that route ? You will be a semester or a year ahead of where you can be by waiting, and all college level classes will transfer. You can still go to NCSU in a year or so … Pick the most academic of CC schools. You will not be the only serious college student there either, and CC grads go on to many top schools (pick a good one, not the one 2 miles from your house), they are ranked. An associates degree also provides some credibility, so you may be able to get a better job if you need to work before your masters.
There is thread that folks from CCs go to Ivy League schools … so take that lesson and go for it (and NCSU is a path that will be very achievable if you do well at CC, including academic scholarships for transfers).
What is your SAT breakdown? Anyone who has taken math should not do that terrible on the math SAT. Or you had a dreadful day ?
I would assume NC schools would be cheaper and scholarship money requires a year wait, likely.
One question I have is about the finances. You could find yourself spending a considerable sum of money for an out of state or private college that is not as good as the ones you have in your own state.
Test scores could be a hindrance as a freshman applicant, but as a transfer student, colleges will look at your college level transcript as an indicator of your success in school. According to the NCSU website, they do not need scores if you have 30 semester hours by the time you transfer.
Just about every college has general education requirements- and NCSU does too. These are classes that are required no matter what your major is, or what college you are in. Look at the one that interests you, but in general, most general education requirements include classes in English, writing, history, social sciences, math, history and humanities. All of these can be met at most state community colleges. IMHO, I would check out this option at your local CC. They will have a college transfer program. You could complete these requirements at a significant savings over an out of state college. You could also take transitional math classes to bring up your math ability before jumping into college level math if you need some refresher classes. The CC can give you a placement test to see where to start.
Broaden your college list. If you like design or event planning, consider that even a degree in art or business classes, with internships and work experience could be a gateway to similar careers. Many students change their minds about major in college and people can have a variety of jobs after graduating. Also some colleges at NCSU are highly competitive, so having a broader choice will allow you to find more college options. I don’t know what the other state colleges offer, but some sort of art/business combination might suit your future goals.
Most states are really trying to open up new paths for students by making the CC->state U path as pain free as possible, this is also since most state Us are turning down good applicants every day.
I am sure your CC will help you put together a path to NCSU. If the design program you are interested in is enrollment limited, this may also be the best way to get in there.
CCs also have very good art and design departments, and you just can’t beat cost.
That was horrible for me since NC State was the only school I applied to bc of an unique major offered. (Design Studies) I applied in November and ultimately got waitlisted to find out that I didn’t make it in. Well I started researching other majors and the only one I really like is Event Planning. This major isn’t offered at many schools. I found University of Central Florida and I am going to apply for the Spring 2016 semester. Do you think I have a good chance? After NC State I just feel like I won’t be accepted anywhere. I’m nervous to bet everything on one school again. Any comments or advice is greatly appreciated.