4.3 GPA
will have 15 AP classes (currently a junior) including 3 AP physics classes
Plan to take GA Tech Dual enrollment calculus senior year
36 ACT
Varsity Swim and Track 3 years each (all but Covid year)
Eagle Scout
Band all four years
Extra band activities - Jazz band, honor band, etc.
Part time job and Chick-fil-a sophomore year and summer
Part time job at YMCA as lifeguard Junior - Senior year
Several honor societies and club
Your son has a great resume! Based on what you have posted it seems he should have a great shot.
Any idea of his rank or approximate rank? I ask because have a magnet school in our area with a median weighted GPA around a 4.2 (so 4.3 is well below the top 25% there) and then we have a different school where 4.3 weighted is close to Valedictorian.
Also: how many students typically are admitted to GT from your son’s school, and do you have an idea if the typical admitted student is similar in course rigor and rank to your son?
I am the parent of a GT first year student. Her academic stats were not as strong, but she had great leadership and great AP test scores. We live in a rural community in GA. GT (and UGA) are both increasing their geographic diversity. Also, GT is about 60/40 men vs women (opposite most other universities). These facts helped my daughter. She’s doing great and absolutely loves it! Today is the first big exam day for her…hope she continues to love it once she gets the results!!
Our county disclose class rank. Several kids from the magnet program typically get in Tech but several with strong grades and scores don’t. I know your intended major can be a factor and am curious if being a physics major will help or hurt.
I have a senior applying with similar stats, down to the Chick Fil A job (although not a 36 - that is awesome)! Honestly I think the best indicator is who has gotten in from your high school in the past, and where they fall in the class rank wise in relationship to your son.
Without knowing that information, or what a 4.3 actually means at your school it’s hard to tell. At our school a 4.3 puts you in the top 10 students in the class. If that’s true at your school, chances are very good. If it puts you in the top 30% chances are not so great (that would be a hard no at our school).
If we’ve learned anything over the years, Georgia Tech is not a sure thing in-state even for exemplary students. We are nervously crossing our fingers and toes over here!
Georgia Tech has repeatedly said that they don’t consider major in determining admission. I guess this makes sense since you can change it immediately, although I’m not sure how that works in practice.
As to whether the college of sciences is easier to get into, I don’t think there’s a significant difference. They have fewer spots than engineering, so even if applications are lower it is offset by places available.
I will add anecdotally that the kids we know who did well in GT dual enrollment classes were successful with GT admissions. I’ve “heard” that gives an admissions boost, but have no data to support that, so take it for what it’s worth.
Good luck! We know many ATL/GA kids there who are having a great experience!!
(although not a 36 - that is awesome)! Honestly I think the best indicator is who has gotten in from your high school in the past, and where they fall in the class rank wise in relationship to your son.