For example, if someone showed a very unique/creative/different EC but had like, a 3.5 UW GPA, could they outweigh someone with a 4.0 UW GPA with a laundry list of ECs?
Check the Common Data Set for these schools, Section C. Assume that to get in, you have to be solidly in the mid-range of the admitted students (GPA, test score, class rank) AND have more going for you than a laundry list of ECs. You will also note, as you view this data, that lots of kids who were admitted did NOT have a 4.0. (I recall at one convocation, the Undergraduate Dean said about half the admitted class has 4.0s - which means the other half didn’t.) No reason not to give it your best shot. (By the way, if you have an upward trend in your GPA, it helps - and Stanford doesn’t include freshman grades in their GPA calculation.)
Unless your EC is being an Olympic medalist, a recruited athlete, movie star etc. most likely not. Generally one’s academics are given more weight than ECs. For the schools on your list, you pretty much need to be outstanding in every aspect. But feel free to throw in an application and see what happens.
Outweigh? No. If you’re that dedicated to a particular sport or activity, you would probably be applying to a different college than HYPS, which are now better known for their outstanding academics than their athletics or cultural contributions. Adcoms want to be impressed, so the person whose grades have dropped due to their “unique” extracurricular involvement (kind of subjective anyway) may not be accepted as this doesn’t demonstrate good time management. Even if person A has a “laundry list” of ECs, if they demonstrate passion, commitment and leadership to what they’re doing and have maintained their grade, they still have an excellent chance.
However, each individual’s situation is unique and you shouldn’t refrain from applying regardless of whether you are person A or B. Just be aware that there are people with 4.0 GPAs and outstanding ECs who are also applying and plan your back-ups well.
A quick perusal of your posts indicates no jaw-dropping EC that would minimize your severe outlier GPA (for Ivies) . You need to have a serious discussion w/your GC about crafting a list of viable schools. You’re hundreds of miles from HYPS. And dozens of miles from any of the top 30, IMHO.
Well I was posting a hypothetical @T26E4, I have a higher GPA than that…
If you’re international level, ie., Olympic athlete, published writer, internationally-famous concertist, yes.
In all other cases, no.
An no one gets into a Top 25 university/LAC with “a laundry list” of ECs. Achievement at the regional level and, preferably, the national level, is expected.