Good SAT, okay GPA - admissions impacts?

Applying to College
1

Hi! I got a 1510 on my SAT (750 R+W/760 math) but haven’t made stellar grades throughout high school. I take mostly the most rigorous courses (honors/AP) at my high school but mostly receive low to mid B’s (averaging about a 86? in freshman and sophomore years.)

What are the implications of this on a college application? Do some top schools tend to be more lenient on my relatively lower GPA if I have a higher SAT score? Do certain types of schools (i…e big schools, small liberal arts, etc.) value SAT more than GPA? Does this show that my school just has harder courses, or does it just show that I am better at standardized testing?

2

Depends on the admissions committee of the particular school. Some have a formulaic approach, while others would be willing to downplay your gpa if they sense other redeeming factors beyond your testing ability.