What are my chances of attending a top school if I maintain a weighted GPA of 4.6? I am a track athlete who has run at state championships three times. I’m in two AP classes (one of which I will likely receive a B+ in by the end of the year & and in the other I am expecting an A). I’m a sophomore and I plan to take 3-4 AP classes next year. I also plan on do volunteer work this summer. Based on this information, what schools do I have a strong chance of being accepted to?
You would need to provide more information for a solid reply. What do you consider a “top school”? Just Harvard/Princeton/MIT, a top 20 school, top 100 school, etc.
4.6 weighted how? In our HS, a 4.6 wouldn’t be in the top 20%, but that’s because we have a goofy weighting. But A/B+ in 2 AP’s and A’s in other standard classes would top out at about 4.25 under a typical weighting scheme, so you must be somewhere in the middle.
“volunteer work” = what? Spending a couple hours a week walking dogs at the local pet shelter vs. spending a lot of time creating and running an organization that makes a significant impact on society are similar ends of the spectrum.
What major/area of study?
good questions @RichInPitt
First of all you are a sophomore and still have a lot of high school left to go. Also, we don’t yet have SAT or ACT scores. Weighted GPA is computed very differently at different high schools and is pretty much impossible to compare between schools. This is why we usually prefer to have unweighted GPA to guess someone’s chances and to recommend schools.
That being said, it sounds like you are doing very well. Keep up the good work and keep an open mind when you are looking for universities to consider. There are a lot of very good universities. It looks like if you keep working hard you are likely to do very well.
Your weighted GPA means nothing without context as there is no standard metric for weighting. What is your UW GPA?
Regardless, chancing a sophomore is pointless, particularly without SAT/ACT scores. But if you provide us with some idea of post-college plans, users can suggest some colleges for you to consider.
Thank you for your questions. I would consider top schools to be the top 20 schools, but I am more interested in schools on the east coast. For volunteer work, I plan to volunteer a few times a week at a hospital. A weighted 4.6 GPA at my school would be at the top of the class. My unweighted GPA is a 4.00. I got a 1290 on the PSATs both freshman and sophomore year.
As a sophomore I would suggest you: 1) continue to work hard and do your best in school with the most rigorous schedule you can manage 2) study hard and work to bring up your standardized test scores (perhaps try the ACT as well) 3) continue your involvement in ECs and work to make truly meaningful contributions. Also find to to enjoy spending with your friends and family.
Keep in mind that HS is an experience in and of itself – a time of learning and growth. You will lose a great deal if you only think of HS as a 4 year college prep expereince. Also know that there are many wonderful schools (including tons outside of the top 20) out there where you can have a great 4 year experience and get where you want to go in life.
Spend some time learning about the reality of getting into a top college. It’s more than a gpa and volunteering a few times/week over summer. Nor is it creating an organization. Miles to go.