This is a great forum, with lots of parents who joined to get info for their own children, but stick around now to share that knowledge with other students and parents.
Some posters offer to read your essays and give suggestions. We can help you understand Financial Aid, completing FAFSA and other forms required by some schools. And help with comparing offers from several schools.
I hope you will stick around, read up on the forum archives, and ask questions when you are confused. Best wishes to you as you navigate college admissions.
Looking after younger siblings or helping to take care of an elder counts, too.
Tell us more about how you spend your free time. We’re happy to help you find the right words to describe what you do.
Would you consider attending a women’s college? You might be a great match for Agnes Scott. Check it out.
Also: Denison might be a reach for you, but they have great financial aid and a data analytics major.
@CaliMex Well, I take care of my grandparents when they come to visit. I can’t really think of anything else that I do in my free time to put on a college application. I never looked into women colleges but I’ll consider them! Thanks for helping me pick out activities and bringing up Denison and Agnes Scott (I looked at them and they’re very interesting)!
"Really? I never knew that the percentage is so low. Both of my parents went to college then immigrated to the US to have me, which makes me a first-gen American/second-gen immigrant (sorry for the confusing terminology). "
Yeah, it’s pretty low, maybe even lower in a field like data science. You would not be considered a first-gen. Find out if your high school has Naviance or a similar tool, and how previous applicants in your high school have done with OSU, if that’s your first choice in-state. OSU’s acceptance rate is 55% for women and given you’re in state, could be a little higher for you. The uw gpa is still low even though you do have rigor.
I would also add U. of Akron to your list of schools to consider. They are very strong in the STEM fields and have good employment outcomes for their students. It would be a solid safety.
My son did not have “traditional” EC’s to list in his college application because he was home schooled in a rural area. He used his application essay to explain this, and perhaps you can do the same. Some ideas I had…
You said “I love data science.” What sparked that? Write about what got you interested in it and how you’ve been able to “feed” your interest even without access to traditional school EC’s.
It’s not too late to think of a project that directly applies to your passion. For example, you said you have a job. What kind of analytics/data would help your employer be successful? How would data science help you create better websites? This might even turn into a mini-research project for you… but even if you never get beyond the brainstorming stage, it would show that you know how to apply your interests to the world around you.
You can also look to the future. What would your “dream” EC be in college? Once you have your college list narrowed down, search for “student organizations” at their websites. Maybe there’s a club or honors program that interests you. Mention this in your essay, and why you want to join. Even if you haven’t had many EC’s in the past, you can show them that you look forward to the opportunities at that school.
Also, if you have your essay written - even just a rough draft - that could be something to share with your teacher or other person writing a recommendation for you. It can help them understand your interests and make their recommendation more personal.
@iPink123, let me start by saying congratulations on what you have accomplished so far. It is funny that @inthegarden tagged me on this thread as I just watched a YouTube video on an African American female with similar grades (3.86 WGPA) in a similar sized high school class who took the ACT 7 times (highest score 25), SAT 5 times (highest super score 1200) who was accepted and will attend a top 30 National USNWR school. That student had a very nice EC profile and was a accomplished writer.
Your own profile is underrepresented as a young minority woman looking at a STEM focused field and you still have time to improve your resume. Having a job is a great extracurricular, and look to find others that you are passionate about (Starting or Joining a Data Science Club?). My family’s passion is giving back to our community which has given back more than we have served. Your passion may do the same while also helping you go to college.
Find some time at targeted ACT prep this summer (My son saw improvements with short 10-15 minute a day reviews over his weaknesses on Khan Academy after entering his practice ACT results profile). Look at your Ohio public and some of the Ohio private institutions that have your major. Don’t be afraid to take your shot at reach schools, but look for how you would fit in at all schools (size of the school, location, your major, school culture, support services at each school, etc.)
I would also advise to take a look at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). If that is not what you are looking for in a college, I understand, but some HBCUs may offer significant merit aid for a student with your credentials. Again, look at how your major fits at all schools as you may find varying levels of expertise in your major.
My last piece of advise is around essays. Spend some time this summer thinking about the narrative you want to craft towards college and scholarship essays. I believe that being able to craft essays that are “authentic” and sharing your story can make all of the difference in college admissions and in “securing the bag”. Good luck to you.
@TexasMom96 and @ChangeTheGame It’s nice learning about how other students could relate to aspects of my situation. I already have an idea for a research project but I’m not sure how I would execute it. A lot of people mentioned raising my ACT score so I’ll work on that too. I haven’t been looking at HBCUs but merit aid could be nice. My essay could help too because I could show my interest in the college and major in writing. Thank you so much for your responses! I love hearing about everyone’s’ opinions and suggestions.