GPA too low to bother?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Wake Forest University
1

<p>S15 has visited and is very interested in attending Wake. He has recently received a letter and email encouraging to set up an interview, which I know is important to them, and he could do it via skype, but I can't help but think if he's going to go for it, it is better to do it in person, if possible, and that means another expensive trip from the midwest. </p>

<p>Sadly his grades this year were not what I would have hoped (one C and too many B's) which as left him with a UWGPA just shy of 3.6 and he's only in the top 15% of his class (neither of which his school typically reports unless specifically requested.) On the plus side, he is in an honors program with due rigor and all Honors core classes plus 2 AP this year and 4 more next year -- his weighted GPA is 4.2, which is what the school will report, but they can still see the B's and very sad C. He currently has a 32 on the ACT and will retake in Sept with a realistic possibility of bringing it up at least a point. </p>

<p>He is also has good long-term EC's: leading roles in all theatre productions (3-4 per year) since freshman year, Model UN; Tennis (JV/V), school ambassador, NHS, 100+ hours service to single agency, lifeguard, soccer referree, youth group, youth choir, a capella choir, etc., etc. </p>

<p>He's a busy guy, which is sort of the problem with his grades, but I'm afraid he's below any "cut-off" that Wake might have and we are just spinning our wheels. (And to add to it, if he is to apply, he would apply for the talent-based presidential scholarship which will mean added expense to produce an audio tape.)</p>

<p>Anybody have any personal experience (or other knowledge) about accepted students' GPAs? I can't find any stats on average GPA for Wake, but it seems to me that since test scores are optional, GPA must weigh very heavily. Any insights you have would be much appreciated. thanks! </p>

2

<p>Get accustomed to Googling the Common Data Set of schools your are interested in. Almost all schools have this, but it’s often hard to find just by clicking links on their website. Section C presents scores and grades of admitted students for the year being reported. In the case of Wake Forest, I looked at the 2011 and 2012 Common Data Sets, and roughly 80% of admitted students are in the top 10% of their class. Roughly 95% are in the top 25%. An ACT score of 32 puts your son in the top 25%.</p>

<p>Anyway, don’t rule out Wake, but know that it will have to be the more subjective credentials that do the trick.</p>

3

<p>I don’t think you need to interview in person. Colleges understand we are all in major saving mode. </p>

4

<p>I had a lower GPA, a lower class rank, far worse EC’s, but a 33 on the act.I got in just fine. Maybe I didn’t deserve to get in, or acceptance isn’t as hard as you think. Either way, you kid is more qualified than I am. </p>

5

<p>I think your son is a strong candidate. He brings a lot to the table. My experience is that Wake takes a holistic approach to the admissions process. They don’t “red line” students based on grades or standardized test scores. </p>

<p>Your son sounds like a dynamic individual. If you can swing it, I’d have him interview in person. If you are serious about going to Wake, it will be money well spent. Know, however, if your son is a finalist for the Presidential Scholarship, he will eventually need to go back to campus again to audition in person. I’m pretty sure you can audition via Skype, but I would think that that option would put you at a serious disadvantage in relation to the other candidates who would be auditioning in person.</p>

6

<p>He is a strong candidate that if interested should apply anyway. Most colleges don’t have cutoff GPAs and use hollistic admissions. ~3.6 GPA is a fine for admissions. If you have strong standarized test scores, send them because they could help the application. @WasatchWriter‌ is correct in saying Common Set Data is very useful. Another very useful tool is Naviance. If our school uses it, you can log on and compare to past applicants from your school that have gotten in or applied</p>

7

<p>I have heard from multiple sources that the interview, letters of rec, and essay are viewed strongly at Wake. </p>

<p>I know my son’s specific HS data has the GPA mean for Wake at 3.6, so we know Wake’s admission people factor in the school’s rigor. </p>

<p>My son wanted to Skype his interview, but I thought there were advantages to face to face … Though we were told it doesn’t matter. In the end he was glad to be face to face.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>