High SAT scores, "low" GPA?

Applying to College
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<p>How does it look to have high SAT scores and a "low" gpa? I put low in quotes because its not a 2.5 or something like that, but around a 3.4 (B+ average). My SAT score is currently 2040 (and I know this is not that high for the top schools) BUT I am planning on taking it again and trying to bring it up to 2250. So hypothetically, if I get that score, along with a 3.4 gpa, and good ECs, how are my chances looking for a schools ike Brandeis, Williams, Tufts, or Bates, for example? Also, I think I could do really well in terms of grades my senior year 1st semester: how much will those grades count? I think my not so great gpa is mainly a result of procrastination and not applying myself (which i'm not using as an excuse, just saying) so I think I could get all A's next semester if i work hard.
Also, how does it look to join a sport senior year? I know that sounds weird, but I have been wanting to be on a sports team for a while, but didn't think i had the time, and really want to do it before i go to college. </p>

<p>thanks a lot!</p>

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<p>What are you majoring?</p>

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<p>I do not know what i want to major in yet, but i was thinking of psychology, or neuroscience. I am planning on being pre-med.</p>

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<p>bump…</p>

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<p>If you can get a 3.8+ for senior year and pull up the SATs to 2150-2200, I think you would have an okay shot at some pretty good schools (NYU, Boston College, Northwestern). You can also make it into Tufts and Williams. Just focus during your senior year. Also, try taking the SATII Bio E or M and get 750+. Forget about Early decision, though. Good luck.</p>

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<p>What kind of classes are you taking?</p>

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<p>thanks!
What about Brandeis? that is my favorite school so far. Also, i was thinking about taking the Bio sat II but i would probably have to self study for most of it, because i only took a basic bio course in 10th grade that was required for all sophomores. I am taking lit and chem sat IIs in june, though i don’t know how well i’ll do on chem. Would i be able to take the bio sat II in november (since im going to take the SATs again in oct)?</p>

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<p>tokenadult: My school does not offer APs or IBs or any of that, but it is a VERY rigorous school with college level courses. in my senior year im going to be taking challenging courses, including calculus, so i won’t be slacking off.</p>

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<p>Which courses have you already taken?</p>

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<p>9th and 10th grade didn’t offer much choice, this year i have taken chemistry, precalculus, foreign language, music, literature and history classes…i mean they’re not classes like APUSH or AP Chemistry that people would generally know, but they are advanced courses.</p>

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<p>Anonymous: Brandeis, Williams, Tufts, and Bates covers a huge range. At the private schools I know – it sounds like you go to a private school – “Williams” means top quintile, probably (for non-athletic-recruits), “Bates” can mean someone with lower grades and test scores than you have now, with Tufts and Brandeis in between. These are all moving targets, though. You really should check with your counselor, and if your school has Naviance, use it. GPAs are not really comparable across schools – you need to know where B+ kids from YOUR school with great SATs get accepted.</p>

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<p>How do you raise your score from a 2040 to a 2250? I currently have a 2100 but I would love to raise that to a 2310 if you guys could help…</p>

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<p>Try <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>i have the same problem. what are the chances of me getting in to the accelerated pre-med programs. Im a junior, with a 3.4 weighted GPA, and my SAT score is 2250. If i do reallly well senior year, what are my chances…at least into an 8-year pre-med program?</p>

<p>THANKS :D</p>

<p>fyi:
I do lots out volunteerng out of school, numerous clubs in school, one sport, and im taking 3 APs right now, and i will take 5 next year.</p>

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<p>agree with JHS. You need to have a sense of where your GPA fits in with your class profile. If it’s in or near top 10% that’s a stronger case.</p>

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<p>onthefly, i’d like to raise mine to a 2400.</p>

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<p>hi. do you think i can make it? (my post is right above yours).
thanks b :)</p>

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<p>I think you don’t have a big problem making it to Brandeis with 2200+SAT,3.4GPA,an upward trend is also very important.</p>