<p>I know that colleges seldom lower their standards for LD students, but are they more lenient with their applications? It's a long shot, but I would like to apply to Columbia and UPenn. I'm not so interested in them because of their reputation, but because of the high caliber of their academics and extracurriculars I'm interested in. I have over a 4.0 GPA, and involved in a nationally-recognized service organization, work on an award-winning school publication, serve on my school's leadership council and do publicity work for school productions. I also have competed locally/statewide in several academic competitions. The problem is though, despite my GPA, my grades aren't the best. My GPA comes from grade inflation thanks to the AP's I have taken. So while I have A's in some honors and AP courses, I have consistently received C's in math because of an LD. My verbal SAT is in the Ivy League range, however, my math is considered on the moderate-low end for a state college.<br>
Does anyone think I have a chance at an Ivy League school? Do you think they would be understanding, or am I best to apply at a school that doesn't expect perfection?</p>
<p>You should apply to the reaches that are your “dream” schools, some matches where you feel you could do well, and some safeties, just like everyone else.</p>
<p>None of us know what the admissions offices at your “dream” schools will be looking for the year you apply. An “unbalanced” transcript might be just fine for them given everything else you have to offer.</p>
<p>You do need to spend some time looking for institutions with high-level academics and the extracurriculars that you want. There are lots of very good liberal arts colleges out there that would be very happy to admit you and that could be very good matches for a very verbal but not so hot at math student like you.</p>
<p>Do it. How do you know if you don’t try? If you can risk the app fees, I wouldn’t hesitate. What’s the worst thing they can say, no? So make sure you apply to a bunch more, just in case.</p>