How can i get into a high ranking school with a low GPA?

Hi,
So I have a low GPA but really want to get into an Ivy League. I know a lot of people say that it’s almost impossible. I have a pretty long resume, but have a 2.5 gpa.

Grad school after you show your full capabilities at a high quality uni that sees your potential.

Seems like going to a community college, earning a 4.0 GPA there, and then applying to Cornell, Penn, and Columbia as a junior level transfer would give a better (but still not that good) chance of getting into an Ivy League school than you would have as a frosh.

Get recruited and get a relatively high score on your ACT or SAT. Otherwise, follow the suggestions in post #2.

You need to be realistic. Lots of people really want to go to ivies. Most of them won’t, and they have much higher GPAs than you do. I can’t imagine an ivy accepting you with a 2.5 GPA no matter what extracurriculars you have. You haven’t demonstrated that you can handle an ivy workload. Follow the advice above. Find other schools that are more appropriate academically. There are lots of good schools out there.

No hook will overcome a 2.5 GPA.

You can’t. Whoever said in life, “you can do whatever you want” was wrong. (not suggesting someone said that to you but this as a clear example where that old saying isn’t true)

Maybe (and even this is doubtful) if the OP were a top-ranked football recruit. For a lacrosse player - not gonna happen with freshman admissions.

I suggest asking yourself why you would even want to go to any Ivy. What about it appeals to you? You haven’t given a lot of information, but I question whether you would fit in.

I don’t think a 2.5 is even high enough for Harvard Extension.

Can you by chance donate a building?

@Groundwork2022 that’s funny!

But kidding aside for future readers, the Harvard extension students have to pass Harvard level classes with many Harvard profs with the same syllabus as the day students . They do not goof around or water down that Brand. It’s way too important to them at H.

It’s generally a very smart and a bit older group . Very very serious students for the most part. Not many who are struggling as a HS student would choose or complete the classes there.

Even if you could get in, then there’s the whole matter of getting out.

Do not think 'Every point I get off of a hw or test is a point away from going to Harvard."
Think: “I need to do my best, and there will be a college that is right for me when I graduate.”
Do not think “If I don’t go to an Ivy League School, i am doomed for ever.”
Think: “No matter where i go, I can bloom where i am planted. I can get involved and shine.”
Do not think: “My life is over…the kid in my math class is taking 20 APs and I am taking 5. I will never succeed.”
Think: “I need to challenge myself, but only to the point where I can still do well.”

Also, you are doing what is called “magical thinking”. You think somehow although you do not have the ability or work ethic or you have some issues you need to overcome that you can get into an Ivy League School. You won’t get into an Ivy League school (nor will 95% of people who apply). But you can get into a college that is right for you.

Spend your time looking for colleges that meet what you are in reality.

@bopper: ^^Copied to my personal files. Awesome and constructive.^^

https://www.extension.harvard.edu/academics/bachelor-liberal-arts-degree/degree-requirements describes the process for applying to Harvard Extension School. Basically, the student needs to take EXPO 25 and two other courses with grades no lower than B, and then apply. Student needs to be at least 21 years old or document “how an evening, part-time undergraduate degree program intended for working adults with years of work experience meets their learning needs.”

LOL

Why do you want to get into an Ivy League school? They’re very different colleges.

I think this is a joke post (I didn’t know the T-word was banned lol). Really vague and unrealistic question, but it gets comments going.

Don’t think there is anything constructive to add. Closing thread.