ACT vs. GPA

<p>I made a “chances” thread a month and a half ago, or so, but I just got my ACT results and I’ve a new question:</p>

<p>My cumulative GPA is absolutely terrible (2.9 unweighted, 3.1 weighted) because of special circumstances; on the contrary, my current GPA is well over 4.0 weighted, and my unweighted is ~3.9 currently, with 3 AP classes and 2 dual-credit college classes. </p>

<p>However, although Boston is going to see my 2.9 GPA, I was wondering if this would be offset by my 10/2007 ACT score–30 Composite.</p>

<p>I applied ED for Boston U, and they were informed of the special circumstances regarding my initial grades. Does anyone know if they consider current grades + ACT score over cumulative GPAs, or is the entire high school record more important?</p>

<p>Once again, thanks for anyone’s help!</p>

<p>A high test score can't make up for a low GPA. The GPA always counts for more.</p>

<p>I'm going to have to disagree with you. BU looks at a whole picture. If they see something like a low GPA but very high test score they want to know WHY. Obviously you've told them why, and they'll take that into consideration.It doesn't mean they ignore it, but they consider the whole picture.</p>

<p>If they know why, that's the best you can do.</p>

<p>A high test score can’t make up for a low GPA. The GPA always counts for more.</p>

<p>is this necessarily true?
on my board topic, i asked if a high gpa like a 3.98 with a 26 ACT was better than a semi-good gpa like a 3.8 with a 32 ACT. is that different ?</p>

<p>I think at that point, .18 points on your GPA doesn’t matter as much as the higher ACT score, MUCH MUCH higher ACT score at that - so yea, I would rather have the 3.8 and 32 rather than the 3.98 and 26. Plus it will help your FA chances and possibly earn you a scholarship.</p>

<p>BTW you might not wanna revive a two year old thread - start ur own!</p>

<p>I think the above poster made a good point… they’d probably rather see a 3.8 and a 32 rather than a 4.0 and a 26. I don’t think your test scores can make up for your GPA, but they can help to solidify it (especially the ACT). There’s grade inflation, special circumstances, grade deflation… but with test scores, your leeway is much less. I have a “relatively low” GPA, especially compared to my SAT score. I don’t think my SAT score will make up for it, but it will probably reinforce the positive aspects of my transcript.</p>