How important is GPA, REALLY?

Applying to College
21

<p>with the exception of special majors (theater, music conservatory) where you might need to audition (sorry pka), your HS transcript is 50-75% of the decision. Performance over 4 years is a good indicator of performance for the next 4 years.)</p>

<p>IMO, most kids place way too much weight on test scores. Once an applicant is above the test median of the school, the adcom knows the kid can do the work, so test scores then become a minor factor as the adcom begins to shape the well-rounded class. Therefore, IMO, test scores are important, but no more important than the other criteria: EC's, GC report, teacher rec. For example, a 2400/800/800 would be be denied at any private school or LAC if the teacher wrote that the kid was a grade grubber, or never, ever participated in class. I always say: test scores won't get you in, but they can keep you out...</p>

<p>[Note, test scores can be extremely important in awarding merit money, however. Also, test scores can be critical for homeshoolers.]</p>

<p>Just my $0.02.</p>

22

<p>I'll say this much.</p>

<p>I got a C+ average in Computer Science AP Sophomore year because my teacher DIDN'T KNOW JAVA!!!! so her grading was often incorrect. I got a B- average in English that year too, and Junior year I got a C+ in English (my teacher hated me and gave me a 60 on the final w/o a reason).</p>

<p>I got into Rice.</p>

23

<p>Wow, that's very impressive Sephiroth226, with a C+ in sophomore and junior years you could get into rice.</p>

<p>You must've worked hard on your EC's and/or SATs.</p>

24

<p>This is my resume</p>

<p>Standardized Tests: SAT I: Verbal: 680 Math: 760 Writing: 710
SAT II: Math IIC 780 Chemistry 750 US History 610<br>
Academic Strength: Unweighted GPA: 89.5
Weighted GPA: 101.5
Class Rank: 13 out of 458 students.
Extracurricular Activities: National Honor Society - 3-5 tutor hrs week</p>

<p>Kung Fu - 6</p>

<p>Aikido - 2</p>

<p>Tae Kwon Do - 2</p>

<p>Capoeira - 2</p>

<p>Violin - 1-3</p>

<p>Visual Arts - 4-6</p>

<p>Build Computers - 3</p>

<h2>Newspaper columnist - 2</h2>

<p>Previous years</p>

<p>Tae Kwon Do Assistant Instructor - 6 (Leadership)</p>

<p>Art Club - Treasurer - 2 (Leadership)</p>

<p>U.I.L Math, Science, Computer Science, Team chem, calculator - 5
total/wk</p>

<p>National Hispanic Institute - YLC - Coach - 3 (Leadership)</p>

<p>Technology Student's Association - 2</p>

<p>Taught Computer Science in my Junior year (Leadership)</p>

<p>Computer repair/building</p>

<p>National Hispanic Recognized Scholar - National (3300 in nation)</p>

<p>1st Place - Constitution Team - State (Nationals in may</p>

<p>1st place - Animation contest - school (Macromedia Flash)</p>

<p>2nd place - Computer Science Team - District (Lost by 1 question against Sci Tech which was ranked #8 in the nation last year)</p>

<p>1st Dan in Tae Kwon Do ( I know it isn't academic )</p>

<p>A bunch of 1st/2nd place in sparring/form for Tae Kwon Do.</p>

<p>Distinguished Achievement Program - School</p>

<p>IB Diploma Candidate</p>

<p>Numerous U.I.L Awards</p>

<p>Senior Courseload (9 AP/IB and 1 other) both semesters</p>

<p>IB Theory of Knowledge
IB Physics HL
IB History HL
IB Math HL
IB English HL
IB Art SL
IB Spanish SL
AP Government
AP Economics </p>

<p>I was sick during the SAT II and had to leave halfway through the history. When I was accepted my SAT I was a 1970 (760, 650, 560).... sick once again.</p>

<p>My essay is probably what got me in because my stats qualified me, but weren't amazing. Also, my box thingy was cool because I did a piece in M.C. Escher's style. Funny thing is most people on CC said my essay was bad, but I thought it depicted me perfectly.</p>

25

<p>DAMN HAO</p>

<p>ten characters</p>

26

<p>crap, i've made straight As so far..but this is semester i made 2 Bs........in my junior year....the most crucial year of my high school career.... NO!!!!!!! I'm screwed....</p>

27

<p>For top schools, GPA doesn't matter, especially if it includes gym, health and art. Just get all A's (ok, maybe one B+) in academic subjects (most challenging curriculum, of course, or at least close). Then get qualifying standardized test score for the intended college (close to their 75th percentile or higher). Then focus on the EC's in which you excel or for which you at least have a passion, as expressed in your essays. They pray. Or, have a hook.</p>

28

<p>couldn't agree more.... so true ::shakes head::</p>

<p>there's ppl who stayed far away from ap physics and ap lang at our school (hard to ace) and they couldn't have been more wise.</p>

29

<p>woah. vissi..i just realized its you...</p>

<p>i think we're on the same boat and are making the same discoveries wayyy to late. lol. if only this was made clear like... 2 years ago. :-/</p>

30

<p>You know why that is...SAT scores and essays have been glamorized too much...so those companies that make SAT books, host SAT classes, or essay-writing books can make profit...<em>shakes fist</em></p>

31

<p>I agree GPA is an important factor.</p>

<p>However, in some cases, there r reasons for low GPAs:</p>

<p>My case, problems at home (deaths, eviction, etc)</p>

<p>if none of that would have happened, I would have like a 3.4-3.5, not a 3.1-3.2 (don't worry, I did write a letter to the colleges).</p>

<p>But I think essays do have some impact, seeing that essays and such can make up for a slightly lower GPA.</p>

<p>Just my opinion</p>

32

<p>bowser:</p>

<p>you are absolutely correct -- adcoms account for student/family mitigating circumstances, including those students who have to work to help support their family.</p>

33

<p>I think GPAs should be calculated by percentage. Maybe they are in college admissions office, who knows.</p>

<p>Why....because if the grading scale is 93 - 100 for an A and a student in theory gets a 92.5 (B) in every class compared to another student who gets a 93 in every class -- the mere half-point is the difference between a 3.0 and a 4.0. Doesn't seem quite fair.</p>

34

<p>btw -- I am the kid who has received a 92.5 in several classes. Rounding up? Are you kidding?</p>