4.0 GPA, 31 ACT: What are my chances?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Hi,

I’m currently a junior in high school, trying to get a sense of what schools I should consider.

My cumulative GPA is a 4.0 weighted.

  • I was in all regular classes freshman & sophomore year, so I couldn't get it higher than a 4.0, but I am in all honors/AP classes this year.

My top SAT score is a 1360 (new SAT): 700 Math, 660 EWR.

  • I am taking it one more time, so hopefully I could get it up.

My top ACT score is a composite of 31: 35 English, 28 Math, 33 Reading, 28 Science (writing score isn’t available yet).

  • If given the option, I will most likely use this score to send to colleges.

My overall academic stance is pretty good. As of this year and next year, I am/will be in all honors and AP classes. I have mostly As and a few Bs in some AP classes, I am a member of the National Honor Society chapter, on the board of my school’s Future Physicians of America club, and I also volunteer at the Red Cross. I also go to a very competitive public school.

My question is, what are my chances of getting into schools such as New York University and the University of Michigan? If my scores/GPA/etc isn’t good enough, what should I aim for? Also, generally speaking, what are my chances of getting into schools near those ranks (around #25 to #45 on US News). How about the Ivy League schools?

Although my ACT reading & English scores are pretty strong, my math and science scores are a bit low. I’ve always had some difficulty with math, but I am considering a major relating to biology (maybe neuroscience) with a pre-med track. How does this affect my admission into a competitive science major?

I would love to hear your opinions, personal experiences, etc. It helps a lot, since I’m unsure about what schools to consider with the scores that I have. Thank you! :slight_smile:

2

Were you unable to take harder classes freshman and sophomore year?
If not, then that isn’t good. You will be competing against people who may have taken APs even in Freshman year.
If so, don’t sweat it. Regional representatives from colleges are aware which schools allow what.

Focus on the ACT, a 31 is much better than your SAT.
You definitely have a good shot at both Umichigan and NYU, just be sure to have some backups.

3

@AimingTop50 Colleges asses the rigor of one’s course load in the context of what their school’s policies are. It’s obviously quite unfair to judge an applicant based on the number of AP tests they take when there are schools that don’t offer many/any AP classes. If OP was barred from taking APs due to school rules, then he’ll be OK.

OP: You are competitive for UM and perhaps NYU as well. Your ACT is extremely low to stand a good chance at the Ivies, and your overall standing is not helped by your poor EC involvement, so I’d say rejections will come from any school you applied to that lives in the Ivy/Ivy equivalent tier. As for the rankings… Don’t be a fool and apply to schools solely based on a number assigned to it by a news company. Do your research. There’s no point in going to #11 ranked Dartmouth if you hate small towns and rural surroundings. The #11 rank won’t make Dartmouth more bearable.

4

@beepybeetle That’s exactly what I said, didn’t I?

5

Check their Common Data Sets and compare your stats with those who have been admitted.