<p>Hi,</p>
<p>How does Stanford look at GPA? Mines isn't as high as I would like and my very competitive school doesn't rank so I don't know where I stand. However, I have good 4 SAT II scores in the 750 and 750+ range and a 680. I'm not gonig to post my stats and turn this into a chances thread, but is Stanford one of those schools that has a lot of emphasis on GPA? Also, I always do well most of the time in math, hist, sci, but sometimes the other subjects and some electives(including band) brings down my average.</p>
<p>What can I do to make up for my weaker end GPA?</p>
<p>Stanford looks at academic courses from grades 10-12 when calculating your GPA. I don't remember if they place a special weight on honors courses or not when calculating the actually number, but I do know that the rigor of your classes is most definitely considered in admission. </p>
<p>As for what you can do to compensate....well, I'm sure you've heard this a million times but the essays are where it's at:) You have to pour everything you've got into those essays...be original, be yourself, distinguish who you are on that piece of paper so that they smile when they read your application in the pile of thousands sitting in front of them. Of course good extra curriculars help, but you don't have to go on a mission trip to Africa, volunteer at some big name company, or do amazing research. While there are kids are are lucky to have those opportunities, you can be perfectly ordinary doing a few activities that you absolutely love. For me it was speech and debate. But seriously, just be yourself and don't try to fit some mold and you will be fine no matter where you end up.</p>
<p>what a quaint way to look at college admissions. it truly is that simple</p>