Getting into college with a low GPA

Applying to College
1

<p>I graduated high school in June of 2011 with a GPA of 3.04 (unweighted). As I applied to college, the issue of my low GPA was always in the back of my mind. I had a stellar application, but I was always a little anxious. As it turns out, I could have got away with a lot less worrying. </p>

<p>As of right now, I've been accepted to six schools, rejected from two, waitlisted at one, and am still waiting to hear back from seven. </p>

<p>Accepted:
University of Rhode Island ---(Psychology) [In-State]
University of Vermont --------(Psychology) [Presidential Scholarship]
University of Connecticut -----(Physiology & Neurobiology) [nearly full ride*]
Syracuse University -----------(Psychology) [$17,000/year]
American University----------- (Psychology) [waiting on financial aid package]
George Washington University-(Psychology) [Waiting on FinAid package]</p>

<p>Waitlisted:
Northeastern University-------(Psychology)[huge surprise, both parents are alumni]</p>

<p>Rejected:
Harvard
Bowdoin</p>

<p>I'm still waiting for a lot of responses, but it's evident that I won't be without some possibilities.</p>

<p>I decided to post this because I know that applying to college is a pretty stressful time, and that stress is exponentially greater if you have a low GPA. I would like to invite anyone to ask me questions or spark a discussion. If I can impart any advice, feel free to ask. My hope is to be able to give a little confidence to anyone who needs it.</p>

<p>I'll fill in any details anyone wants to know about my record. I would have written them all down, but I'm not even sure if anyone will read this, let alone respond.</p>

<p>If you'd like to tell me why you think I shouldn't have been accepted to [x], please do. I'd love to try to convince you otherwise.</p>

2

<p>I’d love to hear your other stats if you don’t mind, as well as what YOU think got you in. Thanks!</p>

3

<p>You took a gap year? What have you done in the mean time? My senior schedule
Is very weak compared to my peers, should I be able to get in into top colleges?</p>

4

<p>CONGRATULATIONS!!! That’s awesome!!! I have a GPA of 2.7 and URI is my top choice!!! Do you think I’ll get in?!</p>

5

<p>@sunshinefairy:
I skipped 9th grade after being homeschooled through middle school, as a homeschooler I took General Chemistry I & II and French at the local community college. I got OK grades, not great, but passing. I also was varsity debate + lacrosse, and got letters for both. I graduated top 25% (weighted). </p>

<p>I skipped a year in all of my subjects, but two years in math. I took as many AP classes as I could each year; my senior schedule was ~5 APs.
I got 4 on AP Psych, 3 on AP Calc, 3 on AP Physics, 5 on AP English Literature and Composition, and 2 on AP US History (not reported).
I was an NMSQT Semi-finalist, my SAT score was 2070 (highest scores together), my ACT composite was 33 (35 reading, 26 Math, 34 reading, 35 science).
I got a 710 on SAT II english, 630 on SAT II Physics, and a 670 on SAT II MathII.
I speak French and Italian fluently, and am currently taking a gap year through AFS in Italy.
I am a Star Scout in the Boy Scouts.
I was part of my school’s political science club, also was on student government.
I play the cello, the guitar, and the electric bass.
My essay was very very strong; it was a pretty unique topic and very very personal, something that no one else but me could have possibly written. I’m also a pretty good writer, it’s always been one of my biggest strengths.
Also, my personal reccomendations were really great and from people who knew me well.</p>

<p>I think that what got me into college was the fact that I was a pretty unique applicant; I showed that I challenge myself academically and personally; going away alone for a whole year before college is both a pretty different experience AND (in my opinion) an indicator of the fact that I realized I needed some time before I went to college to decide on how to best spend my time. </p>

<p>@detoidi:
You should definitely be able to get into colleges (I’m not sure about TOP colleges, but I also don’t know anything about you :P) as long as your grades are decent, colleges definitely appreciate it when students challenge themselves</p>

<p>@URIwannabe:
Yeah, I think you should be able to! Maybe not if you’re applying for their pharmacy program though, that’s a super strong department there :P</p>

<p>If anyone wants to ask something else/ask me to elaborate, feel free!</p>

6

<p>Oh and quick update</p>

<p>Waitlisted @ Colby College</p>

7

<p>self-serving bump</p>

8

<p>Your ACT 33 compensated for your GPA. However, it looks like your GPA prevented you from making NMF?? Is that right?</p>

9

<p>I am so glad I stumbled upon this post.</p>

10

<p>OH MY GOD you are joking. All that stuff completely would make up for even a 2.0 gpa. or a 0.0 gpa. If you were nervous and didn’t get into some places you wanted to then I have no chance.</p>

11

<p>9th grade
1 AP class
2 honors classes
Concert orchestra(play the viola)
Volleyball</p>

<p>10th
2 honors classes
1 AP class
Symphonic orchestra
Cross country</p>

<p>11th grade
2 AP classes
1 honors class
Advanced philharmonic orchestra
Beta club
Getting a job over the summer</p>

<p>12th grade (next year)
3 AP classes
1 honors class
Chamber orchestra
Beta club
Cross country
MCSA</p>

<p>Awards
Best first year runner
Cross country varsity letter
4 star scholar student
Orchestra letter</p>

<p>My GPA and rank is from the end of 11th grade.
Gpa:3.389 weighted, 3.103 unweighted
Gpa:88.556
Class rank:75 out of 388</p>

<p>I was wondering if u could chance me for university of Georgia(dream school). I am about to talk, the ACTs in, September.</p>

12

<p>THIS IS INSPIRATIONAL. I have a 2.8 and have practically given up. Purdue and syracuse are my dream schools and I just know I wont get in even though I have a great essay/personal statment and ecs :(</p>