<p>Alright well I'll start with saying I have about an 81 average (2.7 GPA?) and I know the average GPA for those getting into SUNY New Paltz is about a 3.5. I also unfortunately have few if any EC's. However, my SAT scores are a bit higher than average (scored around a 660 on math, and around a 590 on reading). I know there are other SUNY schools I could probably get into, but I can't afford to live on campus so it's either SUNY New Paltz (which I'm within biking distance) or community college.</p>
<p>The thing is, I'm really not a "dumb" kid. I just made bad decisions when I was younger and didn't think ahead. Since I started high school, my dream was to enlist in the military after graduating. Because of this, I only did good enough to get by in school, never thinking about college. However, I went to see the recruiter, and found out I have two permanent medical disqualifications. There went that dream! Now I'm struggling to turn around and try to get into college, and I'm a senior now. I have a heavier course load than I did junior year, and have about a 95 average, but unfortunately colleges don't really look at senior year so I'm not sure what I can do.</p>
<p>So is there any chance I could be accepted to SUNY New Paltz? Or is anything below a 3.0 basically a guaranteed rejection?</p>
<p>Since you’re from New York State, that actually helps. New Paltz is one of the few SUNYs that statistically is more like to accept students from New York State rather than other states. </p>
<p>As far as academically, I’m essentially in the same boat as you. I have a 2.99 Gpa (sucks, I know), and I have about average ACT scores. When I visited New Paltz (and they say this on their website too), they made mention that the personal essay means A LOT to them. They’re a school that is really focused on getting to know the student, and looking past just their transcript record. Make sure that your essay is really as best as it could possibly be, and that will certainly play in your favor. </p>
<p>My guidance counselor told me that New Paltz is a reach for me, but people do get into their reaches all the time. It’s still a lovely school (and a great area, so jealous that you live there!), and I really hope that I get accepted. I wouldn’t say that it’s impossible for you to get in, it just may be a reach. I’d say maybe consider instead of applying early action (deadline is November 15th, sent my stuff in today!), maybe apply regular decision so that you can show them how well you did senior year and send them your first semester grades. That can’t hurt at all.
maybe I will see you there next year! all the best of luck!</p>