<p>I have a 3.7 gpa unweighted and I would love to have the ability of applying to top tier schools with a decent shot as anyone else. How do I fix, cover or make-up for a low gpa? Any suggestions are appreciate thanks!</p>
<p>3.7 is not low.</p>
<p>Fix/make-up: Get all As from this point on, and it will increase</p>
<p>“cover”: Well, you can’t cover it, your transcript is important. High test scores, good essays, ECs, etc will help</p>
<p>Perhaps performing well on tests would help. Maybe even on homework if you are daring.</p>
<p>I forgot to mention theres not “fixing it” because that is the highest it will go even if I get straight A’s. Thanks BillYMc!</p>
<p>Then what are you asking?</p>
<p>I think, OP, the proper question would be “How to <em>balance</em> a low GPA?”</p>
<ol>
<li><p>SAT I - Get at least 740 on each section. At least try and get 770-800 on either Math or Critical Reading.</p></li>
<li><p>SAT II - Take an SAT II for any class which you didn’t get an A in.
For example, if you got a B in AP US History, you should take the SAT II US History and try to get score of 750. This will show that there was grade deflation. Note: The course should match AP or IB level.</p></li>
<li><p>AP/IB Exams - Get a 4 or 5 on whatever subject you didn’t get an A in as long as the level of the course corresponds AP- or IB-wise. This is similar to the SAT II process and will prove grade deflation.</p></li>
<li><p>Outstanding Extracurriculars - What are you majoring in? Start name-brand clubs (or assume leadership positions in them if they already exist in your school) and compete in name-brand contests.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>GENERAL: Clubs - American Red Cross, UNICEF, Key Club, (Insert Ethnic/Culture Name Here…i.e. Chinese) Club; Contests - Academic Decathlon</p>
<p>MATH-related: Clubs - Mu Alpha Theta, Math Club; Contests - (Insert State Name Here) Math League, AMC/AIME/USAMO</p>
<p>SCIENCE-related: Clubs - Science Club, Robotics Clubs, (Insert Specific Science-Field of Interest …i.e. Chemistry) Club; Contests - USABO, USAChO, USAPhO, Science Olympiad</p>
<p>ENGLISH/HISTORY/POLITICS-related: Clubs - History Club, Geography Club, Philosophy Club, Debate Club, Forensics Club, Writing Club, Journalism, English Club, Literature/Literary Club, Writing Club JSA, MUN; Contests - MUN Debates, Debate Contests, Any writing or story Contest, Speech Contests, Jeopardy</p>
<p>BUSINESS-related: Clubs - FBLA, JSA, DECA; Contests - FBLA-related contests…can’t think of anything else, but you could get a job related to this</p>
<ol>
<li>Community college courses - Take an array of these pertaining to your interest you plan to pursue in college. For example, if you want to do Foreign Language studies, than try to take as many foreign languages at the local CC. This demonstrates passion and the college will overlook the 3.7, which actually isn’t that bad, but not that good either (unless in the context of your school that your school is competitive).</li>
</ol>
<p>Generally, doing well in school helps with a low GPA.</p>
<p>ohnoez, a 3.7!?!?!?!?!?!?! Looks like you need your GED methinks.</p>
<p>thanks guys this really helped!</p>
<p>Special, I think you’re right. I also know plenty of CCs that you’d be competitive for with that GPA.</p>