Chances with low GPA but good test scores?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Central Florida
1

GPA (UW): 3.2
GPA (W): 3.5

SAT (First Time): 1300 Composite (650 / 650)
SAT Essay (First Time): 6 / 4 / 6
ACT (First Time): 30 Composite (33 / 33 / 27 / 26)

I’m currently a senior and these are the classes I’m taking this year:

AP Calculus AB
AP Chemistry
AP US Government & Politics (1/2)
AP Macroeconomics (1/2)
AP Microeconomics (1/2)
AP English Literature and Composition
AP Music Theory
Jazz Band
Dividend (Assistant for teacher)

I get that it’s a lot of AP after only taking one last year, but I’m genuinely interested in all these classes and I’m not just taking them for social status. It’s been over a month so far and I’m handling them pretty well. I’m a very organized person and so far I have all A’s and only two B’s which are in Calc AB and Chem, but that’s mostly because the pace was a bit difficult to handle at first. I’m very used to it now and the information is interesting and fun. I love all of my classes and I love taking AP and hopefully - if I am able to pass all my exams - I can acquire enough credit to enter UCF as a sophomore or at least close, which will save me a lot of time and money.

Maybe worth noting (probably not) but I will also be taking the AP Spanish Language and Composition exam as well without the course since I write and speak Spanish as it is my native language and the teacher I am a dividend for gifted me a Princeton Review book for it.

I have very little EC because my parents never let me (they wanted me to focus on religion, which kind of applies to why I have a low GPA) and their religion has really held me back. I wrote my essays on this, so hopefully that will help me:

English Honors Society
Volunteer at Pet Rescue by Judy
Jazz Band (after school performances and practices)
Adobe Certification in InDesign

I also listed piano as a skill but I’m really sure about that now. I already submitted my application so oh well.

Prior to this year I have taken all honors and 1 AP which was English Lang (4). Anything that isn’t honors or AP is an elective.

I’m very anxious because of my low GPA and UCF is one of my dream colleges. Can a high SAT and ACT score compensate? My grades suffered freshman and sophomore year because of my family and discouragement from them, but my grades this year and last year are much better. Do I still have a good chance?

I am also applying to UF, USF, FSU, FAU, Stetson, Ohio State, U Wash, and probably some other other school because I have application fee waivers from the SAT and ACT.

2

Hey! So first off, your SAT and ACT scores are great! There is no need for improvement on them, I wish I had gotten those scores. I hope you sent both, especially the ACT because a 30 composite is amazing!
As for your grades, UCF recalculates your GPA based on your four core classes and foreign language. If you get quarter grades, I would send those and update your transcript to show that you are improving and putting effort into your classes.
Overall, you did what you needed to do. You explained your situation to UCF which should help your case. Are you in state or out of state?
I hope this helps, and I’m sending you good luck!

3

@Disneygirl66 I am in-state, I liev about one hour away from UCF. I did send both scores, but I’m not sure if my school sends current grades since the quarter has’t ended yet and I already requested that my transcript be sent. But thank you. :slight_smile:

4

You seem like you’ll be a great candidate for UCF! I think you’ll be fine - just don’t be expecting a scholarship or anything. Remmeber, the earlier you apply, the better chance you have of getting in! Are you applying for summer or fall?

5

@ucfprincess Thank you! Also yeah, I don’t really expect to get any scholarships unfortunately.

I applied for the Fall semester a few weeks ago. I’m currently sending in transcripts, scores, etc.

6

To be honest your GPA is a bit low but your SAT score is almost at the 75 percentile so you may or may not get in.

7

Just wanted to say I am pretty much in the same boat as you. 3.0 UW / 3.4 W, 1310 SAT, multiple APs and lots of Community Service. Hopefully, we both get in but I definitely think you have the better chance. Please keep me updated on your status.

8

Update: Retook the SAT

Composite: 1370 (660 R / 710 M)
Essay: 7 / 7 / 8

Composite is lower than I expected but I’m still pretty satisfied with it. I’m very happy with my essay score.