<p>okay this is going to sound like a stupid question,
but are there any top 25 schools that can overlook a low (3.5-3.6 uw) GPA with 2200ish SAT's and genuinely good extracurriculars?
also, does a final grade of 'c' during junior year in a rigorous GT course vastly hurt one's chances at admission into these schools? how about if the major that's bubbled into college aps isn't really related to that course?</p>
<p>the question is this: what about you merits admittance to a top university? figure out why you should get in over a similar kid with a 3.8, what makes you special, and sell it. if you can do that youve got a shot anywhere.</p>
<p>i got into an ivy from a bad high school with grades lower than yours.</p>
<p>you definetly can. i doubt you'll bea ble to compete to get into the top 10's but say like at cmu, and maybe if you were in cali at the UC's.</p>
<p>Chicago comes to mind.</p>
<p>I was thinking of Chicago as well. Student I know was diagnosed with dyslexia his junior year. Didn't have great grades. Didn't always apply himself. But he convinced them. He just graduated, again with not great grades but did some really good research and was admitted to a top 10 program for Chemistry. Again, he was able to convince them of his abilities despite not great grades.</p>
<p>What can you do to show a college that you're really interested despite a low GPA? I wouldn't think there was much you could do to get them to overlook the scores and grades that you send with your app. Should I try for these schools even though they seem out of my league?</p>
<p>Some Top-25 LACs to look into:</p>
<p>Trinity
Grinnell
Colby
Bates
Washington & Lee
Hamilton
Colgate
Davidson</p>
<p>The key is make sure your recs & essays are outstanding. And make sure you have a few safeties and match-safeties. </p>
<p>Just an opinion.
IB</p>
<p>I think you need to get a teacher or a counselor to write a letter for you to build a case as to why a school like this should take a chance on you. Then you have to make sure you visit and interview to present your case in person. What do you have to lose?</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for your input!</p>