<p>My son would like to apply to University of Colorado at Boulder, but I am not sure he can get in with his grades...here's his bio...</p>
<p>We have lived overseas for 7 years, currently in Holland, but prior to that in Brazil. Because we lived in Brazil, he is fluent in portuguese and he is currently enrolled in his 2nd year of the IB certificate program for Spanish. He has taken a couple of AP courses (US History, Human Geography, Calculus) and a honors course in Physics. </p>
<p>GPA 3.1
SAT Math 620, Verbal 520, Writing 560
ACT 24</p>
<p>Extra Curr.
Volleyball - 9,10,11,12
Basketball - 9,10,11,12
Baseball - 9,10,11,12
Jazz Band (plays alto sax) - 9,10,11,12
Model United Nations 11, 12</p>
<p>Has done community service in Brazil and in New Orleans with Habitate for Humanity.</p>
<p>I am hoping that since he has lived out of the US for 7 years and has more of a global background, this might help his chances. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>Here is the Fall 2008 Admitted Freshman Class Averages:</p>
<p>College of Architecture and Planning
HS GPA 3.6
Percentile Rank 78%
SAT - Total* 1180
ACT Composite 26 </p>
<p>College of Arts and Sciences
HS GPA 3.5
Percentile Rank 76%
SAT- Total* 1180
ACT Composite 26 </p>
<p>Leeds School of Business
HS GPA 3.7
Percentile Rank 82%
SAT - Total* 1220
ACT Composite 27 </p>
<p>College of Engineering and Applied Science
HS GPA 3.8
Percentile Rank 87%
SAT - Total* 1300
ACT Composite 29 </p>
<p>College of Music
HS GPA 3.6
Percentile Rank 79%
SAT - Total* 1240
ACT Composite 27
* Range includes critical reading and math scores only. </p>
<p>Your son's GPA and ACT/SAT scores are a bit on the low side, but maybe a test retake and a strong first semester may help him. Good luck; my kids both go to CU and enjoy it there.</p>
<p>My D is also happy at CU and, if I recall the application, there is the option of writing an essay to bolster the application. CU sends alot of kids to the Peace Corps so the community service and international experience will resonate. Unless his ACT scores goes up, don't submit it (his SATs are better). Given your situation, establishing a personal contact with the admissions office is probably worthwhile (I assume they don't get many applications from Holland).</p>