How to work around a semi-low GPA

Applying to College
1

<p>So my GPA isn't great, though it's not awful. I am still waiting to see what my cumulative GPA is, I think it's going to be around an 89. Unweighted. My GPA has improved throughout highschool, and I took 3 AP's this year, and will take 4 next year. </p>

<p>But aside from that, what are ways I can work around this? Should I play into my extracurricular activities?</p>

<p>There's no really exceptional reason for it being low, other then the fact that it took me a while to get motivated. </p>

<p>So anyways, if anyone has any tips for me to make it look better than it is I'd love to hear them!</p>

2

<p>ECs matter only for a handful of schools (think very selective ones with < 25% admit rate). If they aren’t your focus, you should do your best to bear down on your GPA, take a challenging courseload (that you can handle), and prep for your SAT/ACT (preferably both).</p>

3

<p>Emily</p>

<p>I guess the first question is what schools are you considering. Even if you don’t know where you will apply, can you give a couple of examples of schools that you would consider “reaches”, schools you would consider “matches” and schools you would consider “safeties”.</p>