I’m a junior at a large competitive high school in central NJ and I really just want to get into Rutgers NB SAS. I’m making my college list now and while I have other colleges on it I am fairly certain that if I get into NB SAS I will accept (I want to major in political science and minor in economics). What really concerns me though, is my low unweighted GPA.
At the end of my junior year, I will end up with an unweighted GPA between 3.2 and 3.3. Is this enough for me to get into NB SAS?
For reference, here is some other information about me:
- unweighted GPA: 4.0
- highest SAT score: 1420
- highest ACT score: 32 (I will be taking this one more time and hope to get a 33 or a 34)
- APUSH: 4 (going to take AP Lang and AP World next month)
extra curriculars:
- 4 years of club volleyball
- 4 years of choir (highly celebrated program)
- 2 years of a cappella and treble ensemble (audition choir ensembles)
- 4 years of key club: leadership- sophomore year: fundraising committee, junior year: advocacy committee
- youth teacher at organization that teaches my native language to children
- vice president of my congressman’s youth advisory council
- volunteered on mayor’s and governer’s campaigns in 2018
- volunteer at local veteran’s memorial home
preliminary college list:
- Drexel
- Forham
- TCNJ
- Rutgers, NB
- Rutgers, Newark
- Seton Hall
I would appreciate any feedback. Thank you!
lol, unweighted GPA between 3.2 and 3.3, but also a 4.0
best names on your list are Fordham and TCNJ.
whoops! (thanks @THATROCKETGUY)
CORRECTION:
unwieghted GPA: between 3.2 and 3.3
weighted GPA: 4.0
@stones3 when you say “best names” do you by ranking and reputation or most likely to accept me? looking at my stats and activities do you think i can get into Rutgers NB SAS?
@smxthaaa Rutgers will be quite a reach for you based on your UW GPA, but who knows?
Your SAT is very strong for Rutgers, but this is significantly counterbalanced by your GPA which appears to be significantly below Rutger’s standards. Your extracurriculars are well in line. A truly competitive NJ school and a high-profile choir program are especially nice. Since you are fully targeting Rutgers (and will go there if accepted), I will stick to responding to what you asked, rather than attempting to tout other schools on your list.
yes your SAT and ACT scores are good and you should be good at all those listed. But academically, Fordham and TCNJ are stronger.
Since you are fully targeting Rutgers (and will go there if accepted), I will stick to responding to what you asked, rather than attempting to tout other schools on your list.
Fordham and TCNJ remain the strongest academically on your list.
https://grownandflown.com/stop-explaining-daughters-choice-local-state-school/
The above link may be of help, OP. Insecurity born of inferior school rank, regional versus national status, or simply due to a mixed reputation, can often obscure one’s goals. Keep your eye on your personal goals and you will be fine.
academic reputation is usually well earned for a reason.
If you’re an NJ resident, there are PLENTY of options to get into a state school, especially Rutgers. If you know an Alumnus you’d be set, additionally look for NJSTARs (pays for school) and TAG (Tuition Aid Grant) if you’re looking to stay in NJ (fellow here!). Additionally, look at your local community colleges that are allied with Rutgers, just as a safety! 
Good luck with your applications and college pursuits!
Thank you everybody for your helpful feedback. My primary purpose for starting this thread is to get a sampling of what other people think my chances are to get into Rutgers NB. It is at the top of my college list. The reason I provided a list of other schools I’m thinking of applying to was to provide you with a bit of background.
I would really appreciate it if anybody else could tell me their opinions on my chances of getting into Rutgers NB SAS.