I am a Senior in high school and was planning on applying to Vanderbilt via Early Decision I. I wrote my major essay through the common app and then started to question my decision to apply. Middle Tennessee State is a college located close to me and offers me better living situation and a friend to be a roommate with. Also with MTSU I can live there my first year and then l can live with my partner and commute an hour to college. Vanderbilt only offers living on campus the whole time.
I scored a 24 my first time on the ACT and although im planning to retake it this October, I don't believe my chances are even high enough to continue to even apply. At Vanderbilt the Middle 50% are 32-34. I believe I have two hooks of my mother passing away when I was younger and being a first time college student in a low income family. I have 4 letters of recommendation also. I plan to be a physician and attend the college of Arts and Science if I choose Vandy. Is it even worth me applying to Vandy because it is a better school or should I just continue with MTSU because of my situation and scores? I really am stuck and I don't know what to do.
I feel like I might be happier at MTSU although I might be missing out on an opportunity at Vanderbilt. I really need some advice...
Vandy is not going to be an option with a 24 ACT. I’m very sorry about the loss of your mother, but colleges won’t consider that much of a hook.
You can try for Vandy but I think the probability is very low. One good thing about the US college scene is it’s not one try and that’s it. Apply to both. See where you get in.
Very sorry to hear that you lost your mom as a young child. I don’t think colleges consider that to be a hook.
Being first gen college student isn’t a hook either…it’s just a minor consideration when the rest of the app is qualified.
You really don’t have any chance at Vandy, so focus your efforts on schools that will work and that you can afford.
I don’t understand the desire to commute an hour a day after your frosh year. If you’re low income, that’s a LOT of wear and tear on your car…plus time that could be spent at a part time job or studying.
@mom2collegekids Well one reason to commute is I would be paying less than 100$ a month for rent.
You aren’t getting into Vandy anyway. Hopefully you have a few more schools that are matches and safeties on your list so you have some choices on May 1.