<p>Hi all,</p>
<p>I just finished my Junior year of High School with a 3.61 weighted GPA at a rigorous private school in Los Angeles. My SAT score is a 1990, and I have a ton of E.C.s. I am the sports section editor for my school paper and have been writing for it for 3 years. I write for a UCLA Athletics site on the Fansided network, which is the fastest growing fan oriented sports site there is; It's the 3rd largest, behind Bleacher Report and SB Nation. I have interviewed all-pro athletes, do a bi-weekly sports podcast, Interned with the Washington Nationals (DC's Baseball team), and attended a summer institute for broadcast journalism at Georgetown University. I am also on a panel of teens on a weekly podcast who give advice to other teens and tweens who write or call in with questions (I have been doing it for 3 years). All in all, that sounds good, but my freshman and sophomore year GPA's were low -- and I mean really low. So low that my cumulative GPA thus far is a 3.17. I did have things going on within my family that definitley made it harder for me to focus on school, but nonetheless, that is really bad as far as Newhouse goes. I will have strong letters of rec to top it all off. Should I apply ED this fall, and possibly retake the SAT, would I have a shot at getting in? Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>I think you are in with that SAT score. It may help to know each section score. Syracuse is a great school for you passion and I would truly consider it and keep it on your radar. Do well next year in school and all will be well</p>
<p>Thanks for the response! That’s encouraging.</p>
<p>Also, if it helps, I got a 630 in Reading, a 670 in Math, and a 690 in Writing. Thanks again!</p>
<p>Your extracurricular experience is excellent as well as your SAT score; however, your GPA might hold you back for Newhouse but not Syracuse overall. If you have the money and time, I would retake your SAT and aim for a 2100 to help offset your low GPA.</p>
<p>Your ECs look awesome as well as your SAT score. You could try retaking the SATs but after taking them twice your score usually does not change dramatically. I tried the ACTs in addition to the SATs and ended up doing a lot better (depends what kind of test taker you are). As for your GPA-- when you apply on common app there is an area at the end to provide a personal statement of some sort. I would use that space to tell them why your GPA is on the lower side. It is better to give them an explanation rather than leave them wondering. If you are really serious about attending Syracuse then DEFINITELY apply early decision. Your chances of getting accepted are a lot higher and if you are not admitted to Newhouse(first choice) but are admitted to one of your second or third choice majors than you can always try to transfer over as a sophomore…they accept the first 100 highest GPAs. I know ED may seem intimidating because if you are accepted it is “binding” meaning you must attend there, but that is only if you are accepted to your first choice school(Newhouse). Even if you are accepted to Newhouse and decide it’s not right for you there are ways to get out of it, such as not receiving enough financial aid. Good luck!!!</p>
<p>Thanks so much! I’ll be sure to let them know why I struggled in my first two years.</p>