I don’t really have the best GPA, I would say it is around 2.9 or 3.0. But do colleges really look for people who have the best GPAs only? I’m very involved with my high school. I’m part of student council, Model UN, part of many other committees in my school, involved with varsity sports a lot as well. I’m just worried that my GPA would just drag me back.
Yes. Without any doubt. Colleges look for your academic ability and potential first and foremost. They aren’t loooking for camp counselors or volunteer group leaders. That being said, many colleges will accept you with a 2.9 or 3.0 GPA – just not very selective ones. Please meet with your GC and craft a wise set of target colleges.
You might want to pull back on some of those ECs and buckle down to improve your final semesters. Raising it 0.1 or 0.2 will help you much more than every single one of your ECs. The sorts of schools you’ll be targeting won’t weigh your ECs at all (unless you’re an athletic recruit).
Don’t be concerned. Do your best and you will find the right school when it comes time.
I assume college admission offices have an idea of what academic challenges applicants can expect to face if admitted. So although the weight that any one college applies to various admission criteria (eg GPA, SAT, ECs, etc) is unknown, I think it’s safe to say colleges want to admit kids who can meet their school’s academic challenges and graduate in a timely manner and so I’d say GPA is near or at top of list of criteria.
GPA is a myth. Colleges care more about your individual grades more than your overall GPA.
Yes.
GPA is different from school to school. A 4.0 can be a 3.5 in some rigorous high schools. There is GPA inflation and deflation. What is your class rank?
GPA/Course Rigor/Class Rank are the most important factors in college admissions.
Course Rigor: Shows that you have not been slacking off and that you have been taking difficult classes so you’ll be ready for college-level courses.
GPA: Shows how well you did in those (hopefully) challenging classes you took.
Class Rank: GPA by school differs a lot. Just shows how well you are doing academically when compared to your peers.
Good ECs won’t make up for a poor GPA. Generally GPA and course rigor are the two biggest factors. You will need to seek out colleges that will be an academic fit.
There are schools for 3.0 students. Use the Supermatch tool here on CC (over on the left) to find some matches for you.