Please chance me for Purdue and other schools (3.59 gpa) [PA resident, 1220 SAT (1240 super), prefer <$35k, IT major]

Demographics

  • US citizen
  • State/Location of residency: PA
  • Type of high school (or current college for transfers):Unsure
  • Other special factors: Autistic

Cost Constraints / Budget
Unsure

Intended Major(s): Information Technology.

GPA, Rank, and Test Scores

  • Unweighted HS GPA: 3.59
  • Weighted HS GPA: 3.88(kinda misleading)
  • Class Rank:Unknown
  • ACT/SAT Scores: 1240 superscore (My highest on one test was 1220)

List your HS coursework

I am currently doing a technical school alongside my high school(It is counted as a science at my school and it is worth 3 credits! Classes at my normal highschool are only 1!). I also did a college course with the Pennsylvania College of Technology(I finished with an A-).

I did 5 honors classes during Freshman and Sophomore year. I did not take honors or AP’s junior year, but I had a perfect 4.0 gpa that year.

Awards:

Inducted into National Technical Honor Society,

1 educational-level I.T Certification(Trying to get more)

Extracurriculars

I have worked a summer job since the eight grade.

JV wrestler for the ENTIRETY of freshman year

Chess Club member during 9th and Tenth Grade

I recently joined the Sons of The American Legion, and I recently did my my first event on 9/20!

Schools

Purdue(Polytechnic) (EA)

NJIT(EA)

UTampa(EA)

RIT(EA)

University of Delaware(EA)

Penn State(EA)

St Joseph’s(RD)

Marist(EA)

UConn(RD)

George Mason(RD)

Millersville(RD)

Pennsylvania College of Technology(RD)

University of Scranton(RD)

Maybe BYU(five required essays!)

A guy on the r/chanceme reddit said the probability of me getting into Purdue or RIT was around 10 percent. Is that accurate or was he being too harsh?

Your stats are in range for admitted students to Purdue’s Polytech in 2024 (they haven’t released the breakdown for this year’s class)-
Acceptance rate - 54.2%
Average SAT : 1170 – 1380
Average GPA: 3.48 – 3.98

I think your background and experiences will play well for Purdue’s Polytech. I think you are a strong match!

FWIW, I like your list and I think you will see many acceptances.

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Quick question that it stupid: Does community service in Middle School count? I participated in a org called BuildOn from 6th-8th grade

I believe the common app will only ask for activities in HS.

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Can you tell me which schools you think I will get into?

Purdue Poly and RIT could happen but apply test optional at RIT. It’s unlikely but not impossible - say 33% odds. Purdue 40/60 or 50/50

I think Marist, St Joes and Millersville happen.

Marist is recognized for support services so it might be a good fit. Have you investigated with a visit and discussions?

You are unsure of budget.

You need to understand the amount you have to work with before applying anywhere.

Are you Mormon ? If not, BYU may not be for you - so another thing to investigate.

Work with your parents on a budget and let us know.

Good luck.

BYU mostly due to cost. My dad did calculations and It said around 8k a year!

What major are you applying to at the not tech schools?

Is your family able to be full pay at the out of state flagships on your list (Purdue, U Del, Conn)? Typically financial aid is very limited for out of state applicants.

I think NJIT is a toss-up, but you’re more likely than not to be accepted.

But if Purdue is $50k, is that too much ? That’s what you need to know or what is the most he is able or willing to afford.

It’s silly to apply where you cannot afford.

Not sure how he got BYU to $8k but if you are not Mormon, socially, it may provide a big challenge.

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I just spoke with my father. He is aiming at around 35k but is not outright denying purdue. Purdue would be around 46k using their financial aid calculator.

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You might look at Salisbury Which has an Info Systems major and will hit cost. Also, since you are willing to go to Tampa, look at UAH and Tennessee Tech.

All three of these will hit budget so are likely better applications than the UCONNs of the world - at least from a cost POV.

York College of PA is a private worth a look.

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D1 fbs football would be nice

You have a budget. That trumps. But then most of your current list short of Purdue, Penn State and UConn don’t work if D1 football is the goal. And I don’t see the last two as ins.

So - and I’m not saying these are right for you but look at Temple,Mississippi State and if you are ok with lower division 1 Central Michigan can work.

Ohio U, WVU, U Kansas, and Buffalo can work too.

Schools like Delaware and Purdue won’t from a cost POV.

But are they too large for you - as it sounds like you may need supports.

But those are D1 that could/should hit budget.

Are you saying that you think I will get rejected from those schools?

BYU is very much a fit school. There is an exceedingly strict code of conduct (ex. no alcohol, tobacco, coffee/tea, modest dress code, no swearing, etc. –look online) that students must adhere to. BYU is a fine and well priced university – but one to avoid if you would not be happy living by their rules.

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College of IST at Penn State University Park is great but also a big reach; have you taken Precalculus? (otherwise your application won’t be considered). Don’t forget to check Summer since LEAP, the Summer program for rising freshmen, helps with the transition from HS to college and makes it a bit easier to get into UP if that’s what you want.
Behrend is the most technical Branch Campus and a good one at that.

What about Duquesne?

They do have football and basketball, plus you have Steelers right there.

What about Wentworth?

What about U Maine’s School of Computing and IST?

Due to the flagship match scholarship, tuition wouldn’t be higher than Penn State’s and room&board would actually be cheaper if you apply by Dec1 (“incentive” scholarship added to Maine Flagship Match scholarship.)

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Penn State and UConn. Maybe a PSU branch.

but you can’t afford them anyway.

PSU would be 36k so roughly within budget.

Duh. PA resident. You’re right. My bad.

How about Temple for OP given the desire of D1 sports.

I’m guessing PSU is a no go at University Park but you may think otherwise…they have a college of Information Technology.

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