I want to go to an Ivy but I have a very low GPA

Applying to College
1

Do y’all know anyone who had a low GPA but pretty good ACT/SAT that got into top schools?

I have a 3.57 and 4.25 weighted GPA going into senior year (there’s an upward trend and a good reason for the low UWGPA.) Plus I go to the #1 school in MD, have a generally rigorous course load, hooks (black male, athlete, founder of international projects in home country, uncommon major, etc), captivating common app essay, and although my recent ACT score is a 29 (with little studying), I expect to get a 31 in June and a 33 by October. PM if you would like to read my essay to get a better feel for who I am. I’m applying to Cornell CALS ED

2

A 3.57 is not low:). And yes, it is possible. Good luck.

3

If you go to the #1 HS in MD then ask your GC where people have gone with your stats before. It could be your school is a feeder to Cornell. If it’s not then IMO your grades and scores will be too low. http://dpb.cornell.edu/documents/1000563.pdf

4

I got in to Cornell with a 3.68 ish UW GPA, CAS RD. It’s possible, but I had other “hooks” I guess.

5

URM is only a hook if paired with high stats. The rest of these are not hooks.

6

3.57/4.25 is not ‘very low’. I recommend not taking the ACT 3 times. If you don’t like the ACT, try the SAT in October instead. You’re better off doing other things than doing standardized testing.
Are you going to be recruited as an athlete? If so, then that is a hook. Being a regular athlete isn’t unfortunately.
Going to the #1 school in MD might help, but only if you’re class rank is at least decent (top 25% at the minimum).

You seem to have a lot of things going for you. I think your app might come down to the intangibles and how you portray your potential (as a student, as a human being etc.)

7

@snarlatron So URM is only a hook when paired with all high stats(4.0/34ACT) or would it would it still be considered a hook w/ a 3.6/34act?

8
  • URM is a bump with low stats.
9

What is the school you go to? If it’s number one in MD I’m guessing Richard Montgomery or Poolesville. If you’re in their respective magnet programs (IB, the 3 houses), congrats to you! I got into the Global Ecology program and then moved :frowning:

Anyways, that makes a lot of sense as to why your GPA is low and thus, in turn, your ranking. As long as your GPA is going up, I’m sure you have a solid chance at Cornell, especially with ED. Good luck!