<p>Hi, </p>
<p>We're in a quandary over whether my son should apply to schools that fit his GPA or schools that match his test scores. He's a 3.5 (unweighted; 3.7 weighted) student. He's taken the following classes: </p>
<p>4 1/2 yrs Eng (2 AP)
3 1/2 ys History (3 AP)
4 yrs. For. Lang (French)
4 yrs Science (1 AP, through Physics)
4 Math (1 AP; through AP Stats, not Calc).
1 yr. Fine Arts
Balance are required grad req's </p>
<p>He has taken a total of 4 AP classes thus far and received 4-5's (History and Eng) and 1-3 (Science); he's taking 3 this year (History, Lit, Stats). His test scores are 31 on the ACT and 2100 on the SAT. Subject tests are 770, 750 and 800 (Eng, and 2 History classes). His intended field of study is History and/or a double major in Neuroscience. </p>
<p>EC's include Eagle Scout, 2 varsity letters (year round teams), one on a nationally ranked football team, is a 2nd degree Red Belt in Tae Kwon Do, and took 1st place in the State QuizBowl competition. He's a writer on the school newspaper and has performed 100+ hrs. of community service, mostly at church and on a Mission Trip, is employed (PT) and is a certified lifeguard. </p>
<p>He recently left a highly regarded public school (top 50 in the US) to attend a smaller, college-prep Christian school. He wanted a more academic environment with smaller classes and more personalized attention. He has an A avg. so far this semester. </p>
<p>My question is how much will his GPA hold him back? He is aiming high but his college counselor is urging caution because of the GPA. I have heard there is a feeling that boys come into their own a bit later than girls but he could definitely handle the intellectual rigor at a competitive school. He interviews well and is a wonderful writer so his essay will be strong. He's interested in smaller, Liberal Arts schools. </p>
<p>I would appreciate any feedback from parents, students or admissions staff on how best to proceed.</p>