I'm scared that I won't get accepted into any colleges.

Applying to College
1

<p>The title says it all.
I am a junior in High School with a 3.7 GPA. Freshmen year I was a B student and had a 3.3 GPA,but then my sophomore and junior I started to get A's.</p>

<p>My classes as of now.</p>

<p>AP Lit and Comp- A
Algebra 2 -A
French 3- A
Government - A
Human Geography- A
AP Bio- B</p>

<p>I took the ACT and didn't really do well. (It was a really bad score) I retook it and got the same score again. And now I'm not sure what to do anymore. I'm literally having panic attacks that I won't get into college. I don't know what to do anymore. </p>

<p>Is there anyone that got into a college/university with a low ACT and a high GPA? </p>

<p>I live in Minnesota</p>

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<p>Yes. Where do you live? Some state schools look more at class rank than at test scores. Some private colleges are test optional. </p>

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<p>When I read the details, I initially thought the OP was trolling… A 3.7 GPA is quite decent, and there are people with lower UW GPAs and low SATs (like 1800-2000) who get into great schools, like Tulane, Case Western, or NYU.</p>

<p>I would suggest getting a tutor to help you with your ACT. For example, my PSAT score literally rose by only one point (202 to 203) from sophomore to junior year, because I didnt study properly…basically, I studied by myself and thought I had everything down when I didnt.</p>

<p>But when I got a great tutor, my SAT score climbed from a 2080 to a 2160, and now, its around the 2200s, and I expect a high 2200s/low 2300s on the SAT in June. An individual one-on-one coaching could do you wonders.</p>

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<p>Every single student is secretly scared of this, I think. Both of my kids were hugely relieved when they got their first acceptance. Here are a few thoughts:

  • Take a look at these test optional schools. A 3.7 is a fairly good GPA (many top schools kind of cut off at that GPA, if you are above it and have good test scores you have a chance). You don’t have the test scores, but you could look at some of the better schools on the test optional list.
    <a href=“ACT/SAT Optional List - Fairtest”>http://www.fairtest.org/university/optional&lt;/a&gt;
  • Make a list of reach, match, and safety schools. Be sure they are affordable (run the net price calculator).
  • Apply to one or two rolling admission schools in the fall so you hopefully get an early acceptance in hand. That will make you feel a LOT better.
  • Did you study for the ACT? You might benefit from a prep class, as whatever self study method you used didn’t seem to work too well. You could also try the SAT, some people do better on it. Get the blue book from College Board to study (they sell it on the College Board website). Study the materials, then take practice tests and figure out why you got answers wrong. Get help with that part if you need to. Make flashcards of your errors and study those, too.</p>
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<p>@lizardly I live in Minnesota</p>

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<p>@intparent I did study for the ACT by myself. </p>

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<p>Can you tell us your score?</p>

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<p>@intparent 17</p>

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<p>That is pretty low. Can you afford a test prep class? And take a look at that test optional list – UM Duluth and UM Morris are both on it, I think. Gustavus as well, and Lawrence over in Wisconsin. I guess it depends on your financial situation and what you are looking for, but there are quite a few more good colleges on that list you could apply to.</p>

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<p>@intparent I bought “The Real ACT prep book” and a Barron’s book. I’m going to take the ACT again in June. </p>

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<p>Speak with your HS guidance counselors. They can help you craft a list of target schools, based upon your ACT retake. Be logical, be pro-active. Stop the freak outs. Good luck</p>

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<p>It seems like your study skills are up to par and those skills might be more responsible for your doing well in college than your ACT score. Why do you think your score is low? Have you taken the AP tests or any SAT Subject tests? </p>

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<p>As several people have mentioned, some excellent colleges are “test optional” where you do not have to submit any test scores for admissions. A couple are Ohio Wesleyan University and Bates College (in Maine). See this:
<a href=“http://choose.owu.edu/applyToday/testOptional.php”>http://choose.owu.edu/applyToday/testOptional.php&lt;/a&gt;
and
<a href=“Optional Testing | Admission | Bates College”>http://www.bates.edu/admission/optional-testing/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Both of these are excellent. Bates is particularly good. There are many others. </p>

<p>YOU WILL GET INTO COLLEGE. :expressionless: </p>

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<p>Okay… I still think a prep course would do you some good; I don’t usually recommend them, but given that you studied between your first two attempts and did not manage to raise your score, I think it would be a good idea. You could also try taking the SAT, it might be better for you. But if your score does go up, you really want to spend some time looking at the list of test optional schools. If you can give some information on your financial situation, preference for geographic location, and planned major, we could help you identify the better schools on the list.</p>

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<p>Below is a list of all test optional colleges. Some of them do require a certain GPA but I am pretty sure yours is above the required level for most of the schools. There are some very good options on the list including NYU, Wheaton, Rollins, Clark, Bates and Colby. </p>

<p><a href=“ACT/SAT Optional List - Fairtest”>http://www.fairtest.org/university/optional&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>+1 to @intparent‌’s first post, and I agree with trying the SAT. From what I’ve read the ACT tends to be more of a time crunch.</p>

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<p>Consider also taking the SAT (or at least trying an old released SAT under test time limits). Some students do much better on the SAT than the ACT (or vice-versa).</p>

<p>How low is a “really bad” ACT score?</p>

<p>For safeties, you can consider these lists if you qualify for them:</p>

<p><a href=“Automatic Full Tuition / Full Ride Scholarships - #300 by BobWallace - Financial Aid and Scholarships - College Confidential Forums”>Automatic Full Tuition / Full Ride Scholarships - #300 by BobWallace - Financial Aid and Scholarships - College Confidential Forums;
<a href=“Updated list of schools with auto-admit (guaranteed admission) criteria - Applying to College - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/1562918-updated-list-of-schools-with-auto-admit-guaranteed-admission-criteria-p1.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Of course, safeties must also be affordable. See <a href=“Before you ask which colleges to apply to, please consider - College Search & Selection - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/1621234-before-you-ask-which-colleges-to-apply-to-please-consider.html&lt;/a&gt; , especially point 1.</p>

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<p>Yeah, try another test, the SAT, and do a few practice tests and see what happens.</p>

<p>I am not familiar with the state schools in MN. If they are like other states, then the flagship is probably tough to get in, but some of the branches are not. Your good grades may well be enough to get you into a branch of the state U. Check out what the admissions rules are. Then you will know you have that school as a safety----you will go to college.</p>

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<p>How about Minnesota State Mankato? As long as you’re in the top 50% of your class, and meet the college prep. requirements, you’re guaranteed admission, per their website.</p>

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<p>I think DePaul is test-optional, if you’re interested in a large, urban university. </p>