Hey all!
I am applying for college this year, and I currently have about a 3.68 ish gpa. I know that isn’t low, but I have a pretty high SAT score and I know I can’t get into top colleges with gpa. Apart from my 1530/1600 SAT, how can I increase my chances to get into a top 30 college?
The work you have done so far stands by itself. You cannot make up for a part of record that is lower than you would like. It is what it is. You would do best to find schools where admission is more likely for you. After you find your most likely schools you can always apply to a reach or two. However, I would focus on the most likely scenario. You cannot unring a bell.
BTW-3.68 is not that low. There are plenty of schools that would be happy to have you. Find those schools.
Have your parents donate a building. 
If that’s not possible just be you. You’ll get into appropriate schools which you can enjoy.
@Proudpatriot @“Erin’s Dad” Thank you for your input!
I know that it is nothing huge that I could do now, and I know I will get into some school that works for me but I don’t think there is anything wrong with finishing strong. Is there anything I can do other than getting a 4.0 this semester?
Yeah, finishing strong is good. But it’s an unfortunate fact that nothing can “make up for” a weak GPA. That said, yours isn’t really weak and there are plenty of great schools that will give you strong consideration.
Dude that’s not that low. I have a freaking 3.0
There is nothing wrong with a 3.6 and many fine schools will be happy to admit you. There is, though, a disconnect between a 3.6 and believing that you belong at a “top school.” Extremely selective schools are extremely selective.
There is nothing wrong with finishing stronger there is nothing you can do to make your existing record different. 3.68 is a nice GPA. You will be able to go to a great school but you should focus outside the tippy top schools. Think top 50 not top 20. The problem with CC is that people tend to think you have to go top 10 or community college. The truth is that there are some very good schools that will be accessible to you with your GPA and test scores. Find those schools.
My oldest son went to Case Western, graduated with a double major and is now working in a management training program for a large bank. His stats were similar to yours. He was also accepted at Hamilton, a very good LAC. If you tell us your interests, geographical restraints and what you are looking for in a school we may be able to make some suggestions.
BTW-all of my son’s friends are either employed or in grad/professional school.
You can’t change or “make up” for your GPA. Most admissions officers say that the HS transcript (including grades and course rigor) is a very important piece of an application. It is fine to apply to a couple of reaches, but in general you need to apply to schools that match your academic record. You should have many good choices.
Look for national universities ranked 50-60 adnd LACs ranked 50-75 for safeties, national universities ranked 40-50 and LACs ranked 35-50 for matches. Treat everything else as a reach.
Run NPC’s on both safeties and all matches. Show the results to your parents.
Find 2 safeties first, this would be the most important first. Identify what you like in the colleges you consider “dream colleges” (environment, majors, vibe, specific clubs, weather) and look for safety-level colleges that match those, with greater acceptance rates.
What can you do?
Ensure you don’t drop in curriculum rigor.
Apply to colleges where your test scores clearly place you in the top 25% and consider those matches. Top 10% test scores would be safeties - all, provided the college’s acceptance rate is above 30%.