I'd appreciate any feedback on my daughter's chances

General Forum
1

Hi, I’m a single low-income mom who has dedicated everything to raising two kind, compassionate, and hardworking kids. We live in a rural area of the Okanagan, BC (Canada), where access to nearby colleges and universities is limited. Kelowna and Kamloops are the closest cities, with Vancouver being farther out. Financially, I’m stretched thin, and I’m hoping to help my kids avoid massive student debt.

U.S. schools seem like great options, but the combined costs of tuition and living expenses are daunting.

I’d love some feedback on my kids’ profiles and suggestions for schools where they might have good scholarship opportunities. I’m also struggling to find research opportunities that will benefit them now and for future med school applications, especially for my youngest, who is highly motivated to volunteer and engage in research but needs something remote and affordable. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Oldest child:

  • 3.92 High School GPA
  • AP Psychology 5/5, AP English Lit 4/5, currently taking AP Stats/Bio/Chem
  • Hobbies: Historical costuming, theatre production (backstage), with a reference letter from their drama teacher
  • Volunteering: Founded a refugee nonprofit at age 9, helped resettle 4 refugee families in Canada, volunteered at a UN event in NYC, currently volunteering at a local hospital, and looking to apprentice at a summer camp.
  • Goal: Psychiatrist
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Given your children’s strong academics, community involvement, and unique experiences, they have a good chance of securing scholarships. Focus on:

  • Merit-based scholarships for their academic achievements and AP courses.
  • Need-based scholarships that may be available due to your financial situation.
  • Community service scholarships recognizing their commitment to social justice, particularly their work with refugees.
  • Specific scholarships for psychology students that align with their goals.
3

Here are some suggestions for finding research opportunities for your children:

  • Local universities: Reach out to psychology departments for undergraduate research positions.
  • Online research platforms: Websites like Zooniverse and Citizen Science Project offer remote participation in research.
  • Non-profit organizations: Many conduct research and may have volunteer or intern opportunities.
  • Online courses: Consider online courses or workshops in psychology or research methods to build relevant skills.