<p>Most of the schools I want to attend are pretty good and ranked fairly well, mytop choice schools average acceptance statistic for the freshman of the 2010-2011 year is virtually identical to my test scores and grades. I’m wondering, should I be okay getting in (my stats are actually slightly higher than those who chose to attend.) I won’t say my grades or schools because I want an answer based only on that, my grades and test scores are basically identical to the average of those admitted into the schools science and math college, and are slightly higher than some of the other colleges (it’s a univ. obviously.) Are my chances good, especially if I do early decision?</p>
<p>If your stats are average for that institution, then you can consider it a “match”. However, that doesn’t mean that you will get in, even if you apply there ED. If you don’t have to worry about financial aid, applying ED may give you a bit of a boost, but there still is no certainty.</p>
<p>Like everyone else, you need to make certain that your college/university list has academic and financial safeties on it, not just matches and reaches. Pin down at least one place that:
- You can pay for without any aid other than federally determined (FAFSA) aid.
- Guarantees you admission based on your profile - many public institutions post this information right on their websites.
- Offers your major(s), or in the case of a community college, offers the first two years of your major(s) with a formal articulation agreement with at least one 4-year institution.
- You would be happy to attend if all else goes wrong in the admission process this year.
If you can’t find any place that meets these four criteria, then do your best to come up with some that come close. Most places like this are rolling admissions, which means that you can apply now, and get in line for any stray goodies they have to hand out like un-advertized scholarships, priority registration, priority housing choice, etc. </p>
<p>Please don’t let yourself become the author of one of the “I didn’t get in anywhere I like or can afford” threads next April.</p>
<p>Happymom is right.</p>
<p>In addition, if those colleges are out of state public universities, they most likely would be reach schools for you. In virtually all cases, it’s harder for OOS residents to get accepted to public schools than it is for in-state residents.</p>
<p>Don’t apply ED unless you’re 100% certain that school is your first choice, and finances are of no concern.</p>
<p>Although it is out of state, they are one of the few public universities that does NOT consider your place of residence when you apply. The only difference between in-state and out of state is tuition which is increased a bit. Anyways, it also is beneficial to have their coach considering you to be on one of their varsity teams, right? The school is D1, and I met with him last week and I am to keep him informed, that is good right?</p>
<p>Happymomof1- I have plenty of schools that would love to have me, and that I believe would offer a sound education that I can use as safeties. However, it would be my top choice attending this university.</p>
<p>If it is your absolutely clear first choice, and there is no need to be able to compare financial aid packages, then ED may be a legitimate option for you. However, you must be absolutely clear about the money issue before you apply anywhere ED. Sit your parents down and run the EFC calculators at [FinAid</a>! Financial Aid, College Scholarships and Student Loans](<a href=“http://www.finaid.org%5DFinAid”>http://www.finaid.org) and at [College</a> Calculators - savings calculators - college costs, loans](<a href=“College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools”>Calculate Your Cost – BigFuture | College Board) so that you know the minimum amount that your family is likely to be expected to pay. And remember, most places will not offer a financial aid package that meets your full need, and very few will meet your need without including loans. It is good to have the coach on your side, but if money is an issue, even that may not be good enough at the end of the day.</p>
<p>Luckily I’m very fortunate and money won’t be a problem if I attend this school. My dad assured me that. With that said and having a possible spot on their swim team without the need for financial aid am I in good shape?</p>
<p>If it is indeed your first choice, then go ahead and apply. Just be certain to have the rest of your applications in a state of readiness in case you don’t get in and need to submit them to other places before the deadlines.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Good news! Today I found out that this school weights honors classes when they calculate GPA, luckily for me I have several honors class and my GPA for their school now is way above their average. In fact it’s way above what I would expect! 4.2 now!</p>
<p>Congratulations :).</p>
<p>Yeah, if your pure numeric stats meet the averages for the school you should at least be a “match” there. Of course, other factors such as ECs, essays, high school curriculum all have the opportunity to either help or hurt you so it’s by no means a guarantee, but you should definitely have a shot.</p>
<p>Based on what’s you’ve described about your swimming (and speaking to the coach), as well as their policy concerning honors classes complimenting your transcript you should be well on your way to acceptance. The only matter now should be submitting the application and writing an essay to complete your image.</p>
<p>Good luck, I’m sure you’ll do well.</p>