I’m applying to Umass for computer Engineering and was wondering if I have a shot. I know my GPA is low but will my ACT score make up for it. And how important is the essay in admission chances?
2.85UW 3.5W GPA
27 act but I took it again in October hopefully raising my overall score to 28-29.
Taken 5 APs and several honours classes
Google the common data set for schools you are interested in
Here’s the link for UMass: https://www.umass.edu/oir/sites/default/files/publications/cds/common_data_set_2013.pdf
Looking through the CDC, I can see that your ACT score is within their middle 50%. However, only 1.2% of accepted students had a GPA in your range (2.50-2.99). Your ACT is good but not great, and definitely not good enough to make up for your GPA.
The CDC can also tell you what UMass looks at in the admissions process. They consider both academic GPA and standardized test scores very important, whereas the application essay is marked as important, suggesting that your stats have more weight than your essay.
Overall, UMass is most likely a reach for you. Definitely apply, but also have several safeties in mind. Good luck and for future reference, the common data set is very helpful in providing this kind of information 