Emory does not put much weight if any to the 9th grade GPA, so if the poor grades are only in 9th, that might be something to look into
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I was thinking of that too – I believe they don’t look at 9th grade grades at all. But, this family needs merit aid, which is extremely unlikely, and also it’s in the South (although Atlanta is quite liberal) which they don’t want.
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Has he taken the PSAT in 11th? If not, why not?
Hadn’t considered OSU, will definitely look into it!
His poor grades are only in 9th. Straight A’s 10th, 11th and so far senior year as well (and he’s in 4 APs right now).
He was registered, and his counselor submitted the accommodation documents 5 days after the deadline (trust me, we were very, very unhappy last year when this all went down… his counselor and I both contacted the College Board, and there was nothing they could do). His accommodations came through a week too late.
NMS has an procedure for students who weren’t able to take the PSAT in 11th. I believe it involves sending a physical letter. Look into it.
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What is NMS?
Thanks. 
I think OSU is a tougher get than UMN and Ohio is not an LGBTQ friendly state. There are other solid schools a bit easier but also in the wrong states.
Delaware is the Mecca of chemicals. Colorado and Colorado State would both work as would Michigan State. SUNYs would work.
It’s undergrad chem - I don’t think there’s that much a difference in any of these, Wisconsin included.
I believe he’s too late for this since he’s a current senior? He would’ve had to submit this last winter, prior to April 2025 (for the 2026 National Merit Scholarship) if I’m understanding the link correctly.
I believe that most Canadian universities don’t put much emphasis on 9th grade GPA and many of them are less expensive than comparable US counterparts.
@DadTwoGirls can you confirm?
To the extent that cost is a factor, SUNY Albany, one of the four R1 research campuses in the state of NY system, is a real bargain. At Albany you will only pay the cost of the tuition & fees of your home state flagship university. So, in your case, they will charge you the same amount as you would pay at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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Generally yes.
What I have consistently heard is that universities in Canada rely on the most recent two years of high school. When I was a high school senior (in Montreal) most of us got admitted to Canadian universities based on our sophomore and junior years of high school. A few people who were right on the border line for admissions had the university ask for their mid term grades senior year. Freshman year of high school really did not matter. This was a long time ago, but I do not think that it has changed.
In terms of cost, for anyone with Canadian citizenship or permanent residence Canadian universities are likely to cost the same or more likely less compared to in-state prices at public universities in the US. This is even true for a Canadian citizen who has never lived in Canada (such as someone born in the US who has a parent who was born in Canada). For an international student prices can vary quite a bit. The most famous schools can ask for more probably just because they are famous. There are however quite a few very good universities in Canada and even for an international student some of them might cost pretty close to the in-state cost of some public universities in the US. Keep the exchange rate in mind (this is very favorable for someone living and working in the US who has a child studying in Canada). There are a few nationalities such as a citizen of France who get a break on prices at universities in Quebec.
Even the most expensive schools in Canada cost less for an international student compared to full price at most private universities in the US. Full need based financial aid generally does not happen in Canada.
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