<p>This site makes me depressed when ever I go on it. I don’t even know why I do go on this site, sometimes. When ever I come on here, I go to the section ‘What are my chances’ and people make threads saying ‘LOW GPA’ or some sort and they are GPA is anywhere from 3.5-3.8. For me this is very high! I only have a 3.1-3.2 GPA overall (I’m in my sophomore year). Now, I do have dyslexia so it does take more a lot more to understand than the normal student. Okay, enough ranting about this site. I am just wondering, what colleges should I start looking at. I know I’m only a sophomore but, I want to start looking at colleges and see them out. My dream school has always been Pepperdine. However, of course you need a 3.6+ GPA to get into it. Could you give me some suggestions. Thanks!</p>
<p>Is money no object? Can your family afford $55,000 per year for a private? Or, $25,000 per year for a in-state public? Will you need financial aid (which often means student loans)?</p>
<p>What state do you reside in (for “in-state” tuition purposes)?</p>
<p>What might you major in?</p>
<p>Are you taking a college prep curriculum?</p>
<p>Can you bring your GPA up?</p>
<p>Is that your weighted GPA?</p>
<p>Hey Mom2CK, you stole my questions! :)</p>
<p>First off, don’t get depressed! Being a sophomore, you still have time to bring your GPA up. Also, be involved in extracurricular activities- find something you love!</p>
<p>What is it about Pepperdine that you love?</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for their responses!
@Mom2CK- Well first I know Pepperdine is a little more expensive however, our family should be able to afford it. I might need financial aid, I still haven’t thought of that yet. I reside in Wisconsin. I have always wanted to go into the medical field however, that could change. I do go to a college prep school, I would say my class schedule is a college prep classes. I have been trying to get my GPA up higher, but it is very difficult, for me. Sadly, that is not my GPA weighted.
@almostfinished- I have been trying to get very involved in my school and joining lots of clubs. The thing that draws me to Pepperdine is, well first off its in California. I really want to go to California school. Being here in Wisconsin where the winters are bitter cold, I really get sick of them. I also love the school location, and the dorms. While I still have to visit the school, from what I hear about it and see about it I see a lot of it that I love.</p>
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<p>I suggest that you first speak to your parents about how much they can afford to pay for each year of your college costs (privates are running about $55,000 PER YEAR, and in-state publics are running about $25,000 per year). So, you need to find out if they can afford about $220,000 for your undergrad years (for private) or about $100,000 for a flagship-type state school.</p>
<p>Unless you are wealthy, I don’t think that you should assume that your parents can pay $220,000 for your undergrad years…especially if you’ll be going to some kind of medical school or something like that. Also, if you have any siblings that will be in college at the same time, your parents may not be able to afford as much as you think they can for your education. </p>
<p>Please don’t think I’m being harsh, mean, or nosy…LOL…I’m just a mom who has been thru this before. When my first child went to college, he wildly assumed we could afford any college he wanted…completely misunderstanding our finances and our need to also pay for his brother’s college education. He also didn’t understand that although we might “want” financial aid, we wouldn’t qualify for any even if WE FELT that WE needed some. The EFC determines what our “need” is…we don’t get to decide that.</p>
<p>That’s why I’m asking the financial questions. I want you to be able to create a reasonable list based on the realities of your financial situation. </p>
<p>So, please, ask your folks how much they can pay each year for college…use real numbers (not abstract statements that might mean that they don’t know how much college costs these days)…If they can write those big checks each year then GREAT!!! 
We’ll be able to help you create a list of your dreams…in warm climates!!!</p>
<p>:)</p>
<p>BTW…what do you mean by…“sadly that is not my GPA weighted” ??? if that is your unweighted GPA that you’ve listed, then your weighted GPA would be higher.</p>
<p>You say you have an interest in a medical major of some sort…do you want to become a doctor? Pharmacist? dentist? what?? :)</p>