can i get into nyu or boston university with a subpar gpa but better test scores?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

hi!! i’m a rising senior and i’m pretty set on either nyu or bu!

the biggest issue is my gpa. i have a 3.36uw/3.84w which is definitely below average for these colleges. i had a lot of health issues my freshman year and my transcript shows a definite upward curve, but my gpa still makes me really scared for applications.

i also have a 33 act and a 1450 sat, but i’m not sure this will make up for my lower gpa. i have strong extracurriculars (award winning musician, started clubs, involved in student government, etc) as well. i have another sat i’m taking in september to (hopefully) get a better score.

if anyone has any insight on admissions, can you drop some wisdom? what do you think my chances are for each school? i definitely intend on applying ed for one of these schools as well.

also, what schools do you think i can get into with these stats?

thank you so much <3

2

What is your budget?

What is your home state?

What is your unweighted GPA for each year of high school?

What do you have for safety schools to apply to?

Why did you post this under the Tulane forum?

Based on what you have told us so far, I would guess that BU and NYU are both reaches for you.

3

I don’t think Tulane is likely to accept you with your lack of demonstrated interest!

4

Most schools view GPA as the most important factor. It’s only one piece of data, but it’s the most important piece.

Just want you to be realistic.

5

Choose the CGS option on the BU application. That would increase your chances there.

6

Just about every admission officer I’ve heard speak has said that the transcript (including course rigor and GPA) is the most important piece of information for making admissions decisions. Sometimes a lower GPA and a higher standardized test score can be viewed as a student who didn’t consistently give his/her best in the classroom.

Certainly if you want to apply go ahead and give it your all. But also be sure to find match and safety schools (given your GPA) that appear affordable and that you would be excited to attend.