My dream schools are either UCLA or University of Michigan and I’m a sophomore in high school. So a little about me:
I’m a 1st generation Ghanian.
GPA: 3.83
SAT or ACT: haven’t taken it yet
AP Classes: APUSH, AP Government, AP English (planning on taking AP Biology)
EC: Shelving Assistant at public library, Choir, and piano
So is UCLA Or U of M out of my reach? And what would I need to do to get into these schools?
All anyone can say is you are on the right track. Without SAT/ACT scores, there is no way to see if they are out of reach. Are you international or US citizen? How much can you and your family afford? Finances not academics may make many schools out of reach but as far as academics, you are doing good. I would work on your EC’s and try to enhance them with a leadership position.
Good job with your grades.
Are you in-state or out-of-state for these schools? If you are OOS, they will be quite expensive and there is not much aid for OOS students. If your family can pay the full rate, then keep considering them.
Keep up your grades and prepare careful for the PSAT. That is my advice. If you need merit scholarships to attend college, start researching schools that give merit aid. UCLA and UMich are terrific schools but there are so many interesting schools out there.
I’m a U.S. citizen and live in Michigan. I’ll be taking the PSAT soon, but my parents, most likely, won’t be able to afford my tuition unless I get a big scholarship! So I’m not sure if I should consider those two if their out of my reach…
Forget UCLA if you are OOS of state. Virtually no financial aid.
Unless your family can pay close to $55K/year, cross UCLA off the list. Focus on your in-state schools first and also check the following link for scholarship opportunities:
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/1678699-links-to-popular-financial-aid-info-threads.html#latest
UCLA would be very hard to pay for OOS for many people.
UMichigan is your in-state option. I am not familiar with financial aid at Michigan. You definitely should apply to UMichigan although, if you create the right list, you might find that you have less expensive options elsewhere.
Pursue your interest in music and work hard. You are on the right track. High ACT/SAT scores will give you access to scholarships and possible admission to a meet-full-needs school.
I also suggest you investigate a lot of smaller liberal arts colleges. They are often very generous with merit aid for strong students who will enhance diversity on campus. If you are currently attending high school in the US, which state are you in? Will you have lived there long enough to qualify as an in-state student for tuition purposes at public universities.
also look into MSU, great merit aid