I scored a 34 on the ACT on my first try, but only have a 91% weighted GPA (converting to about a 3.7 - 3.75). I know that this isn’t terribly low, but it does still put me at a disadvantage for selective schools where applicants have much higher GPAs.
For the most part, my GPA has been negatively affected by the performing arts classes that I take at my school. I go to a performing arts school, where arts classes are graded on a different scale and my teachers have given me lower report card grades than what I get in academic classes (Freshman year and Sophomore year I had 80s in 3 performing arts classes)
Basically, my question is: How would more selective schools view my application? Will they disregard performing arts grades, since I’m not pursuing that in college, and just look at my academic grades? I heard that some schools recalculate their applicant’s GPAs using only academics, in which case my GPA would be about a 93-94%
Considering these circumstances, do I have a chance for schools such as Brown, Cornell, and Tufts? I’m also a first generation student, which I’m assuming would work in my favor? I just want to set realistic expectations for my applications 