@HRSMom, my concern was not just the AP score, but the combination of that, low GPA, and relative lack of ECs. Raising the ACT will obviously help, but there are still significant concerns.
Also, the OP did not just get an AP score of 3: he said that he had an average score of 3 on his exams so. So he’s taken a lot of tests, but he quite probably has some 1s an 2s mixed in, unless he has 3’s across the board. Either way, it sends raises questions about his degree of preparation and the rigor of his courses. Averaging 3 does not bode well for being able to handle to work load at elite schools.
Or OP could have 2 3’s and a 4 and just said avg of 3.
I get what you are saying, and the problem isn’t the message. It is these chance threads. We don’t know the kids, we only get a bit of info, and we are not admissions officers. So it really serves little purpose! But I do think the OP should wait and reevaluate after the next ACT. A 3.77 with a 28 is a hugely different set of schools than a 3.77 and a 32-36!
The low average of 3 on 10 AP scores (expected average according to post) IS a real concern. Combine this with the apparent dearth of ECs and mediocre gpa and I don’t see any ACT score that will make a difference to the very “elite” schools. I hope I’m wrong though and wish OP the best of luck with their college apps!!
@HRSMom, I agree that we have little information. I noted that in my initial response: “Right now, based on the limited information given …” There’s always the chance that something important is being left out. But based on what we know, the OP has multiple hurdles to overcome just to get into the competitive range, and his AP scores suggest that he may not be up to the challenge even if he did get admitted. I think that there is some “purpose” in sending that message loud and clear, so that he doesn’t get his hopes up and re-adjusts his sights more realistically. Of course, if “I play baseball” turns out to mean that he is the top recruit in the country, then things change drastically. But I don’t get that sense, and we are at the mercy of applicants putting out all the relevant information, abbreviated though it may be.