When/Where should I apply?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hello,
I have a couple questions, first, here are some of my stats:
-4.33 GPA (4.0 unweighted)
-Class of 2007 Valedictorian (of around 200) (as it stands now)
-Classes taken (or will be taking): AP Chem, APUSH, AP Lang, AP Lit, AP Government, AP Calculus, Computer Science I, Advanced Computer Science (College)
-National Honor Society Member
-Chess Club President
-FBLA Member (State Qualification 2006)
-Science Club Member
-Colorado School of Mines Math & Science Award (2006)
-Academic Letter: 3 Years
-ACT Score: 22 ( :frowning: )
-Baseball (two years)
-Intramural Basketball (three years)
-Webpage Design/Graphics Design (Five+ years)
-Rubiks Cube:Best Solve: 19.19 seconds (<a href=“http://www.pjk.has.it%5B/url%5D”>http://www.pjk.has.it</a>)
-Run Computer Cleanup: <a href=“http://www.cleancomputerhelp.com%5B/url%5D”>http://www.cleancomputerhelp.com</a></p>

<p>I need to know what the the best time to apply. I am thinking before the summer is out, but I’d like to try the ACT one more time, and the earliest I will be able to take it is Oct. 28, so I’m talking early December before I get the results, is that too late? I know that the earlier the better, but what do you all think? I am thinking along the lines of these schools:
Colorado State University
Colorado University Boulder
Colorado School of Mines</p>

<p>And if I could afford it/be accepted, these would be there:
Notre Dame
MIT</p>

<p>I have received a letter from all the above schools except Notre Dame. My family is lower income, we have 1 salary of 5 people, and 2 other brothers in college that is really lowering our overall “money supply”. What schools are best do you think for me, and what is the best time to apply for these in regards to my situation? Also, it seems most scholarships I have looked across are for people already in college. Anyone have any great places to apply for some scholarships/grants? Thank you,
Patrick</p>

2

<p>Does anyone have any suggestions? Also, I have another question. Do schools require different deadlines to apply? Thanks</p>

3

<p>How is your ACT score so LOW? take the SAT</p>

<p>MIT is not going to be an option with that ACT score.</p>

4

<p>I have no idea on why it is so low. I took practice tests, and received 30+ on them, and then on the real thing I end up with a 22. I even sent it in to get handscored, and it came back as correct, so it really makes me wonder about that. As far as the SAT goes, I may take it, but I’m not positive. I plan on trying the ACT again. Anyone have any answers to the questions above? Thanks
Patrick</p>

5

<p>If anyone could answer a few of the questions, that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.</p>

6

<p>A 4 gpa with such a low ACT shows serious grade inflation. dont expect to get into many elite colleges with that. try the SAT. Best time to apply would be when you take the ACT/SAT again. And your current family situation puts you in a great spot for financial aid if you havent already been qualified for various scholorships. and if you dont mind spending a few years serving your country your a sure bet for an ROTC scholorship</p>

7

<p>Wow, 30’s on practise tests. I got 22’s on practise tests and a 27 on the real thing</p>

8

<p>Stepping up under pressure Puppetzz. There should be some way for colleges to see that…</p>

9

<p>I’m really not sure why I do so horrible on the ACT. I have taken all the classes that many 34+ ACT scorers have taken at my school, and I can get through them with A’s. I’ll retake and apply to college in December then. Thank you.</p>

10

<p>Patrick, you do not have to have your test scores in BEFORE you apply to a school. If you retake your ACT and/or take the SAT’s, in October, you will be fine for applying any time you want – even most EA options. Assuming you bring up your test scores (really, you need to do some prep work here because it’s holding you down), I think you have a good chance at the Colorado schools.</p>

<p>Colorado State University - SAFETY
Colorado University Boulder - MATCH
Colorado School of Mines - MATCH to Slight REACH</p>

11

<p>If you decide to take the SAT, be sure to check to see if the colleges you are sending the test scores to also require SAT SUBJECT tests [ as is probably the case]. You CAN’T take the SAT and subject tests ON THE SAME DAY, so you would need to plan your testing schedule carefully. Also, taking the SAT in Oct [which is the earliest date available], and 2-3 subject test in Nov means the colleges won’t have the results of all the required tests in time for EA/ED.</p>

12

<p>Hello,
Well, I really don’t need to take the SAT unless I plan on going out of state. There is no way I will be able to afford out of state if I don’t get a massive amount of financial aide. I don’t know why I can’t do well on the ACT, it is awkward. I can do any type of work and do it well usually, but those standardized tests kill me.</p>

<p>NorCalDad: Do you think it is a good idea to apply before the summer is out? The earlier, the better, right? I plan to retake in late October, and won’t have results until early Dec.</p>

13

<p>Patrick,</p>

<p>With all due respect, you would do well to step back and get a FOCUS on what you want. Be concerned about the “means”, but don’t lose sight of your “end” or goal. You have good reason to be optimistic about your chances for your desired schools in Colorado. Your chances can be enhanced if you bring up your ACT score. For you, because you’ve placed a priority on Colorado schools (good ones that are affordable), I would recommend that you spend less time on College Confidential and more time preparing for your ACT test and drafting your essays.</p>

<p>I’m sure you are aware of the significant disparity between the excellence of your academic accomplishments (e.g., GPA) and the comparatively sub-par ACT results. These are measurements that are fixed in place at this time. Now, work forward by drafting a timeline for admissions for EACH school of interest (i.e., CSU, CU, and CSM). Factor in at least one more ACT test date (October) and figure that results will be reported to your indicated colleges about 4-7 weeks after you’ve sat for the test. Be sure that you have correct school codes and personal information (SSN, etc.) for registration to assure that ACT score reports will be properly sent to the schools you want.</p>

<p>Yes, it makes sense for any Rolling Decision program, e.g., CSU and CU, to apply as early as possible, but it does NOT make good sense to submit an application that is not prepared well and as complete as possible. For either of these schools, I think you are very safe if you apply in October-November timeframe. It would behoove you to contact the Admissions offices of each of these schools (as well as CSM) and ask what their policy is regarding your sitting for the ACT in late October, and therefore not having ACT submitting scores to the institutions until 4-7 weeks hence. Typically schools will keep your admissions file in an “open” status (if you have submitted your admissions application) if they do not have all materials they need to evaluate your application. Each school will have a different means that will allow you to track your application status.</p>

<p>Given your lower income situation, concurrent to looking at admissions for each school, explore the financial aid available as well. Each school has a Financial Aid office that will be more than happy to step you through the process. I believe that each of the 3 Colorado schools you mention uses the FAFSA Form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Check with each school to confirm that you do not have to apply separately for any scholarships. Check into the Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF) and keep asking questions of the Financial Aid officers about grants, work-study, etc. I’m fairly certain that all of this begins with your completion of the FAFSA application – which you do AFTER you’ve applied and been accepted to the school.</p>

<p>Go to the following link (College Guide for Colorado) to get a lot of general information and answers to your questions:
<a href=“College advice, college admission applications, pay for college, financial aid, scholarships, apply online for admission, online applications at Xap.”>College advice, college admission applications, pay for college, financial aid, scholarships, apply online for admission, online applications at Xap.;

14

<p>Sadly, but true, my father passed away on Tuesday of a sudden heart attack. Just figured I’d give an update while I’m on.</p>

15

<p>Patrick, my condolences to you… I hope that you have somebody that you can talk to… best regards…</p>

16

<p>I am going to retake the ACT in October.</p>

17

<p>How the hell did you solve a Rubik’s cube in 19 seconds??!! :0</p>

18

<p><a href=“http://www.pjk.has.it%5B/url%5D”>http://www.pjk.has.it</a></p>

<p>Best is actually 18.57 now, but average around 24 seconds.</p>

19

<p>I will be retaking the ACT on Oct. 28. I will apply to Mines, CU, and CSU when I get my scores back, sometime in mid-Nov. Is this too late, or too early, or just right? When will I know if I am accepted or not? How can I apply for financial aide? Since my father passed, I am hoping I can get some decent financial aide so I won’t have to take out 100% loans. Anyone know of anything specific I can apply for? Thanks
Patrick</p>

20

<p>Patrick,</p>

<p>I’m glad to see that you’re getting stabilized about your college applications, and again, I’m sorry about the passing of your father. I will assist you to a point; however, it’s incumbent upon you to take charge of this process.</p>

<p>(Let me preface that you should re-read my earlier Post #13 to you in this thread. Click on the link for the College Guide (<a href=“College advice, college admission applications, pay for college, financial aid, scholarships, apply online for admission, online applications at Xap.)and”>College advice, college admission applications, pay for college, financial aid, scholarships, apply online for admission, online applications at Xap.)and</a> bookmark it. Review thoroughly everything pertinent to the general guidelines for admission and financial aid. This will ground you in the process and will answer all of your questions.)</p>

<p>Your planned timeframes are about right. For your retake of the ACT on Oct. 28, your scores will actually be sent to your designated colleges (I hope you designated the right college codes for each of your schools when you registered for the ACT) between 4-7 weeks after Oct. 28 – therefore between late November and mid-December. Meanwhile, apply to each of your 3 schools (Mines, CU and CSU) any time between now and the end of November. These are not “rigid” deadlines, but they will serve you well enough to get “priority” dates for all your applications. Try to submit your applications sooner rather than later if you can.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, for Financial Aid, you should plan to submit the FAFSA form online as early as possible sometime in January – preferably after your Mother has completed her Federal Tax Return. NOW… what you need to do BEFORE January is go to the FAFSA website ( <a href=“http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/[/url]”>http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/&lt;/a&gt;), and apply for a Personal Identification Number (PIN) – both you and your Mother will need to do this individually, i.e., each of you will have a PIN of your own. The PIN serves as a means for you to be able to “electronically sign” your FAFSA form later on. </p>

<p>Also, review and follow through on the Colorado College Opportunity Fund information (regarding eligibility and application process for vouchers):
<a href=“http://www.cu.edu/ums/cof/faq.html[/url]”>http://www.cu.edu/ums/cof/faq.html&lt;/a&gt; </p>

<p>The following are the specific Admissions websites for Mines, CU and CSU. Bookmark them and read each site carefully for application process and also financial aid application information. Good luck, Patrick.</p>

<p>Colorado School of Mines:
<a href=“http://www.mines.edu/Admiss/ugrad/FirstYearStudents/fyr_welcome.html[/url]”>http://www.mines.edu/Admiss/ugrad/FirstYearStudents/fyr_welcome.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>University of Colorado – Boulder:
<a href=“http://www.colorado.edu/prospective/freshman/apply/process.html[/url]”>http://www.colorado.edu/prospective/freshman/apply/process.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Colorado State University:
<a href=“http://admissions.colostate.edu/AdmWRBlk.aspx?PgID=35[/url]”>http://admissions.colostate.edu/AdmWRBlk.aspx?PgID=35&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;