Hi, I applied regular decision to Villanova so I still have awhile, but I am kinda worried…
So I have a 1300 SAT, weighted GPA is 3.5 (Yeah I know…) I had an 82 freshman year, 89 sophmore year, and a 97 junior year, all weighted. I have about 125 hours of volunteer service combined from two organizations and have participated in extracirriculars through high school. I’m just extremely worried about my GPA for most schools I am applying to, I did include I was under medical from concussions during parts of freshman and a bit of sophomore year. My essays were proofread by a few people and I’m confident that they are good as well, I have been told improvement through all 3 years is good as well. I did take full HN and 2 APs last year and 2 this year. Thanks for anyone’s opinions!
Oops forgot to put that I’m also president of a club, I’m not totally sure how much that matters though
Villanova likes to see volunteer service and involvement in extracurriculars, but overall this school seems more like a stretch for you. Your SAT score and GPA are a bit on the low side. What are your other stats? (Where are you from, first generation college student, etc.)
NJ, dad went to college, also what do you think about my whole GPA situation, I know it is extremely bad, but is there any worth that my years went from 82 to 89 to 97?
When we went to the Villanova presentation a couple of years ago, they did say they look for growth and kids that challenge themselves. Perhaps with your medical issues, they won’t be as critical of your GPA as you have obviously improved. What is your intended major? I think if you are looking at CLAS your chances are a lot better. Assume your senior year is looking as good as junior year?
the upward trend is good. the APs and Honors classes are good. you may may a shot if your recommendations are great. good luck… let us know! fingers crossed.
@phxcactus I applied to the business school. Also my senior weighted GPA is about 102 at the moment (82 freshman, 88 sophomore, 97 junior), will they be taking a look at that when mid report grades are sent in February? I’m just overall nervous with other schools such as Boston College and Rutgers because of the GPA issue.
They will take a look at that when mid-year grades are sent in so that is good. Keep working hard! Finish line is in sight!
My DC is a currently a junior OOS. 1340 SAT with 3.88 unweighted GPA. Would those stats be considered a reach for Villanova business school?
@Empire007 that is a tough one. What do EC’s look like? AP and Honors classes? Class rank (if they report that).
@phxcactus by the time all is said and done she will have 9 AP’s. Been taking all honors classes since 9th grade. Schools doesn’t rank, but one of the top public high schools in the county and state. Very diverse EC’s from volunteering in ER at hospital to local children’s charities.
@Empire007, so difficult to predict. Her stats are on the lower end but she has the advantage of being out of state, although I would probably ask if you live in the NE. I feel like they are trying to get away from being a regional school so might be more relaxed with out of region. Her APs and volunteering are going to be in her favor for sure. VBS is highly selective so I would say she needs to make sure she writes the essays of her life and has very strong recommendations. If she were CLAS, I think I feel less conflicted. You just never know. Best of luck to her!
Thank you so much for the info @phxcactus
My older child was fortunate enough to do the BSMD route a couple of years ago and that was an ultra competitive process. The acceptance rate with BSMD is between 1-2%. I’m now just starting to realize how competive business programs are as well. Any stats on what the acceptance rate is on undergrad business programs?
Would you say over 1450 would make her competive to VBS? As I said her unweighted GPA is currently 3.88 out of 4.0, I would imagine her weighted GPA at the end of this year will be 3.98-4.01.
@Empire007, I have no idea, simply because my DS is an Astro major! I only know VBS at Villanova is highly selective because of the reputation and ranking. When we toured, they said it was the toughest program to get into there, with CLAS being the ‘easiest’.
When we attended Freshmen Orientation, the President stated this year’s accepted class was the most competitive they had seen. Here are the stats they shared. I would surmise that VBS is on the higher end of all these numbers:
Applications Received: 21,109
Targeted freshman class size: 1,670
Percentage of admitted freshman applicants who ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school class (where rank is given): 80
Percentage of admitted freshman applicants who ranked in the top 20 percent of their high school class: 96
The middle 50 percent range of SAT scores was 1360-1480/1600.
The middle 50 percent range of the composite ACT score was 31-34/36
The middle 50 percent GPA was: 4.00-4.44/4.00 on a weighted scale
My DS had a 1540 SAT, 35 ACT, 4.0 UW/4.9 W. He is in the Honors program and said most kids had very similar stats. He was accepted EA, rejected by Stanford, accepted by RPI, obviously chose Nova. ;
I would say to check the Admission Profile again in the fall. It is nice that Villanova actually posts it! Exciting times and best of luck to you both!
Chances?
state: georgia
gpa: 96.35% or 3.98/4.0 (weird scale, only one b)
act: 31 (35e, 30r, 29m, 29s)
applying bio
- teacher rec (bio) 10/10
- counselor rec 9/10
- ap bio, ap calc, ap psych, ap physics, ap lang, ap world
- 99% in ap bio
- 101% in honors bio
- pre-med track (surgeon)
4 sport athlete
high school play
student gov.
national honor society
honor roll great distinction x2
honor roll distinction x1
honor roll x1
nature reserve volunteer
miracle league volunteer (baseball for disabled ppl)
assistant coach for twelve year old baseball team
hooks: many family illnesses (2x acl surgeries)
thanks 
@neuroman, CLAS is reported to be the “easiest” to get into, so you look pretty good based on that description, but your ACT is on the lower end of last year’s accepted class. Assume you are a senior applying RD? Did you take the ACT a second time to try to boost those reading, math, and science scores or are the scores listed your best? Are you a legacy by chance? Your volunteer work looks amazing. As you likely know, Villanova is a huge supporter of Special Olympics, so your work with Miracle League is a strong component of your application. Best of luck to you!
@phxcactus thank you so so much! awaiting my last try at the act. just a tricky test lol… i really appreciate the response!!!