Not sure which colleges I can get into

[js911]

<p>Grade: 12
GPA: 4.9 (3.8 unweighted)
SATI: 1280
ACT: 32
SATII: U.S. History / Writing / Math IIC - scores not available yet
AP: Euro. History (3), U.S. History (4), English Language (4), Comp. Sci A (3)
Current classes: Calculus AB/BC, Discrete Math, Comprehensive Law Study, AP Literature
Awards: Jefferson Book Award, AP U.S. History Award (from my school, not collegeboard), took the AMC 12 but not sure on scores</p>

<li>Should I be leaving out my SATI score since it’s so much lower than the ACT?</li>
<li>I have no activities or clubs - how badly will this hurt?</li>
</ol>

<p>The schools I’m looking at:
University of Florida (state resident)
University of Miami (state resident)
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Virginia
Washington University in St. Louis</p>

<p>I’m not sure on my chances at the last 3 on that list, but I’m thinking I should at least be able to get into UF/UM with a 32. The question is which colleges should I shoot for that are higher than UF but still possible? Thanks.</p>

[StarburyMarbury87]

<p>nice stats, maybe a little low on the SATs but good ACT score. I think not having any extracurricular activities whatsoever will really hurt you, but good recommendations/essays might make up for it a little bit.</p>

[js911]

<p>I spend most of my time working on computers, which is my hobby. There are no computer clubs or such, and I'm not really into the whole volunteering for education thing... personal goals and community service are two distinct things, although I can understand its merit for scholarships. I have a pretty nice recommendation from my math teacher, and I can write decent essays. I always assumed that GPA and test scores counted the most, and essays, recommendations, and activities were just to separate the two equal candidates.</p>

[js911]

<p>Forgot to ask, will it matter if I apply as a computer science / engineering major or leave it undecided? I'm leaning towards computers, but I don't want to go to a tech school in case I change my mind.</p>

[VTBoy]

<p>I would like to know how you can have a weighted GPA of 4.9 but an unweighted GPA of 3.8, from my understanding thats not possible. Infact if all of your courses where weighted courses the highest GPA you could possibly have a is 4.8 and not a 4.9 but I doubt all of your courses are weighted.</p>

[rogracer]

<p>I believe the cut-off for the 100% level Bright Futures Scholarship is an SAT of 1280....so you just made it, unless the requirements have gone up this year (and assuming you've got the community service hours, etc). That qualifies you for full tution at UF. Given that it has the best engineering programs of any school on your list (Illinois notwidthstanding), I would think you'd take a hard look at it. You likely will be admitted, too, even though you're SATs are actually a little low for UF now.</p>

[anovice]

<p>University of Miami isn't a state school is it? </p>

<p>Also, I would say that UVA is a reach.</p>

[js911]

<p>Those are the correct GPAs (the unweighted has been rounded down) that I have listed. Likely, there is a difference in weighting between schools, and I have also taken two honors high school courses in 8th grade. My entire schedule has been honors and AP, with the exception of the obvious P.E., Health, and other mandatory electives. I know the bright futures is a 1280, but you can use the ACT (required 28) as well. UM isn't a public school, but you can still use a percentage of bright futures for it.</p>

<p>I know my SAT scores are low for UF, but why can't I send only my ACT scores? As far as I know they only require one or the other. I guess my real question is if I have a chance outside of Florida without going below UF in standards? There needs to be a considerable reason to go out of state when I can stay here and get my tuition paid for (obviously the whole reasoning behind bright futures).</p>

[rogracer]

<p>Yes, UF will look at your ACT score in place of your SAT...I didn't mean to imply otherwise. And I think you won't have a problem getting in, either. What I was saying is...the schools on your list are, for the most part, not as good in engineering as UF but are far more expensive. </p>

<p>If you are looking for "better programs than UFs" regardless of expense...then you need to expand your list. There are many that would argue that UFs programs are as good as any...and as a college recruiter for a major aeropsace company I can tell you this likely true. But if you want to look elsewhere, and can afford the expense, perhaps look at RPI, Lehigh, CMU, Cornell, for starters.</p>

[js911]

<p>Ah, I definitely see where you're coming from! I can see how I misled you by saying "computer science / engineering" when I should have said computer science / computer engineering. While engineering is definitely an option, and I think I might explore it, I was thinking in terms of computer hardware engineering. I greatly appreciate your suggestions, regardless! :)</p>

<p>I really do not wish to come off as saying that UF is a lesser program in any way. I'm more worried about learning my classes on a video tape rather than truly involving myself in what I am studying. Perhaps that's college these days though... a canned diploma in exchange for an extraordinary amount of money.</p>

[rogracer]

<p>FYI....UF has a great program in Computer Engineering (hardware emphasis) in the College of Engineering <em>and</em> a Computer Science (software emphasis) program in the College of Arts and Science. Incidentally...I don't know where you're getting this notion of "classes on videotape"....true, many classes are available on video for review....but <em>of course</em> you have the option of attending the lectures in person!</p>

[bookworm]

<p>Why not add GATech to your list? Its a state school, so if you have prepaid FL tuition, its applied there.</p>

[rogracer]

<p>Bookworm...GaTech is an out-of-state public school...so out-of-state tuition applies...and there is no Bright Furtures Scholarship for this option. My son was accepted there last year...but it would have been about 30K per year to send him there, versus 7K per year at UF with his Bright Futures scholarship. And without starting a heated debate, I would argue the educational experience at UF is better. But GaTech <em>is</em> a great option for students that would fit in well there.....and I agree js911 should look into it!</p>

[js911]

<p>Thanks a lot rogracer. I was exaggerating when I mentioned the video tape. I've just heard some of my friends complaining about UF. You've certainly made me feel better about my options in-state, though, so thank you!</p>

[anonymous31]

<p>I'm confused on the 4.9 GPA myself...the highest I have ever seen in any school for the past couple years around my area was 4.4's and 4.5's. The best in my grade is 4.52 with All A's and the Strongest Schedule Possible.</p>

<p>And bright futures is 1270 SAT i believe.</p>

[rogracer]

<p>I think you're right about the 1270 cut-off, but you can check the web-site to be sure.</p>

<p>About the weighted GPA...schools have there own "weighting system" that can vary quite a bit. The "4.9" being reported sounds like a high school reported weighted GPA. The "Bright Futures" weighted GPA, I believe, maxes out at 4.5...because AP classes only count as a 1/2 point extra.</p>

<p>I suggest checking the Bright Futures web-site to see what your "official" weighted-GPA is.</p>