<p>Ok, I apologize for posting on here so much, but I just want to throw this last thing in here. I have gotten close to a 36 on a couple of practice tests recently, and (I know it's a huge assumption) if I actually get that on the real test, would it be enough for some second-tier elite universities to overlook a 3.3 GPA (very rigorous coursework)? This is also assuming everything else (essay, ECs) check out. Also, I know I did not specify this before, but I had OCD my freshman year, and that really hindered my ability to get ahead in my classes and get the hang of high school rigor for a while. I started to get it together my junior year and had a 3.33 over both semesters this past year (after a combined 3.14 FR/SO years). I have a lot of motivation going into this upcoming year, and I believe I am prepared to get a GPA of >3.8 UW, if not a 4.0. Anyway, just let me know what you think could happen if I do get a 36. Would it be worth studying my butt off for? I got a 30 my first go around with somewhat little studying, my scores were all over the place (34, 29, 24, 33), and I had a funeral to get to shortly after, which may have hindered my focus a little bit. I know I am way better than the 29 and 24, so I do think a 36, though very hard, isn't totally out of my reach. Again, my main worry is whether it would be worth it or not. Thanks for any thoughts!</p>
<p>You haven’t gotten a 36 on the real ACT. Assuming you will won’t cut it. </p>
<p>When you got 36’s on the practice tests, did you do them under proper time constraints, with no breaks or anything? If you didn’t model the ACT exactly as it is, then don’t assume to get a 36.</p>
<p>But assuming you do manage to get a 36, the poor GPA is going to do a lot of damage. Also, colleges look at your cumulative GPA. It would be nearly impossible for you to get your cumulative GPA to a 3.8 But a 3.3 is still very low, so a 36 would help you a ton, but possibly not enough.</p>
<p>The GPA would be a major hit to you. While colleges like to see improvement over the years, atrocious GPAs Freshman/sophomore year can keep you out of a lot of colleges. The ACT would be a great addition but assuredly not enough to win you in schools that just won’t take such a GPA.</p>
<p>Also keep in mind you can’t have your ACT score until you have it. While you may feel you’ll do well, and you’re acing the practice tests, you don’t know EXACTLY what you’ll be asked on the test itself, what kind of pressure you’ll feel, etc. The practice tests are a good indicator of where you’re fall in general terms on the test but a 36 is rare.</p>
<p>Hello! </p>
<p>I think the above posters have phrased their comments rather harshly. However, I do agree with their point that a 3.3 GPA is not going to help your cause. It’s going to be hard to escape the stigma from your GPA when you send in your apps. </p>
<p>However, if you’re asking if a 36 ACT is worth it, I would say YES. That is probably the best thing you can do for yourself right now (and yes, I got a 36 myself the 2nd time after a 35 my 1st).</p>
<p>BTW, I looked at your previous threads and noticed that you said you went to “by far the best high school in Wisconsin.” I hope you don’t mean University School of Milwaukee 
(don’t like that school much lol)</p>
<p>Anyways, take what I say with a grain of salt, I’m only a rising senior and 16 anyway. Good luck!</p>
<p>Lastspartan, no I go to Marquette university high school haha. And thanks both of you for the encouragement, it’ll be an interesting fall. Anyone else with thoughts is welcome to post!</p>
<p>Bump? Just checking</p>
<p>Ok, just thought I’d put this in one last time. Would getting a 4.0 with challenging classes the first semester of my senior year help me at all? I know I am a much better student than my current GPA shows, but I am scared that I won’t be able to prove that in time or be too little too late. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>If you apply regular decision your first semester grades should be on your transcript, and if they equate to a 4.0 that would surely help you. Also, don’t abide by those percentages (40% GPA, 40% ACT) posted above. Every single college I have visited, public and private, has said either explicitly or implicitly that GPA is more important. It’s “4 years of work as opposed to 4 hours of testing” (as has been said), and the former is definitely more predictive of what kind student a person is. That said, testing is still important. A lot of people treat it like a threshold, as in if you’re within the right range for a college your other stuff will be what gets you in. You can’t really quantify holistic admissions but it’s something to think about.</p>