Hi this is my first discussion on here. I am going to be a senior next year and I have a 3.79/4.1 unweighted/weighted. I took the act two times, scoring a 23 on the first and a 24 on the second. I am planning on taking it one more time with hopes of a 26 aiming for the bright futures scholarship. I know for sure that I want a really close university to my house… I am not planning on moving out. USF is 40 minutes away from my house and USFSP is 30. SPC is about 15. I do care about tuition costs, I am planning on applying for financial aid and bright futures. I know that USF is my best yet ONLY option, but there’s just one thing that is making me want to reconsider SPC… I have a twin sister and we are planning on going to the same university! We are so close and I don’t think we can make it without eachother. She has a 3.2/3.5 and took the act two times scoring 18 and 21.
Our parents want us to go to SPC at least for our first 2 years and get our AA degrees. I don’t mind that at all since I moved to the US 3 years ago and being the first in my family to go to college plus English is my second language. I came here my freshmen year and everything was so new to me! I didn’t even know that we had to go to a different class each period! Not even what a gpa act sat ap meant! With all that I was able to learn and experience lots of new stuff.
So what do you think I should do when applying? Should I apply to USF? I would only go there if my sister got accepted too. If she doesn’t were planning on going to SPC. Is there a chance for her to get accepted? What do you think?
I imagine U.S. schools were a bit of a culture shock, but I am very impressed that you have been able to do well in a system so different than what you were accustomed to. Well done! Based on what you have said, USFSP would be a good fit for you and your twin. Most students at USFSP live at home and commute to school. USFSP students have access to USF events but have the advantage of smaller class sizes. I believe that both your GPAs are fine for all the schools you mentioned. For USF, if you plan to enrolled in a competitive major like per med, nursing, or engineering, then not so much.
As far as ACT scores, you are good. Your sister’s score is a bit low. Not only do Florida public universities look at composite, but they consider the score in each subject. The min score required in all category is 19. If she scored below 19 in any area of that 21 composite then it hurts her. On the other hand, if she scored exceptional well in one area (say a 30 in math) and her composite score was brought down by a 14 in reading, that actually doesn’t hurt as much. Exceptional students in math and science frequently score lower in reading and writing and the reverse is also true. My suggestion is to take the ACT again as planned, but perhaps take the SAT as well. Some students do better on one than the other. Best of luck to you both.