Low GPA but decent test scores seems to be a common theme.
Right now as of the end of sophomore year I have a cumulative UW GPA of 3.3 and weighted of 3.8. My PSAT is 1350.
So the PSAT is decent but my GPA is trash.
Although for my EC’s I have a unique one (imo).
I run a business that made $25,000 last year, and on track to more than double that to $60k+ this year with 40% of that being profits.
Through this I’ve been able to get an internship under a top professor at a very high ranking UC.
I’m taking 4 AP’s next year and senior year to try and raise my weighed GPA as much as I can. I’m also getting involved in rocketry this summer.
So what would you guys say my chances of getting into a mid to high ranking aerospace engineering college would be? I’m on the west coast so I’m thinking of places like UCSD, UCLA, Cal Poly SLO, etc.
Naturally, engineering programs at schools, especially at UCLA and SLO will be tough. It might also be prudent to take a look at where your grades are landing, showing particular strength in high level math and science courses. At the same time, your GPA will also be read in terms of rank and the courses you are taking each year.
Would you ever consider the physics/astronomy program at UCI? It’s a smaller dept. compared to the enormous UCLA equivalent where you could enjoy more personal attention, which could translate into stronger grades, letters of rec, opportunities for research, which could help with (a) employment and (b) fellowships & grad school.
Assuming you are a CA resident, I would look into programs at WUE schools (Western Undergraduate Exchange) that offer reduced tuition for out of state students within the consortium. This will provide additional options, should the UCs not work out.
Sorry man the engineering schools at those places are really hard to get into and those schools generally focus on GPA most of all. Your PSAT isn’t strong enough to make up for your GPA but you can bring it up junior year. You still have a whole year ahead.
UC’s are very GPA focused and with acceptance rates for many of the engineering programs hovering at less than 15%, it will be a tough admit unless you can get your GPA up to a 4.0+ weighted. You still have time, so work your hardest to do well in your classes. The UC’s and all the CSU’s only use 10-11th grades in their GPA calculation except SLO which also uses 9th grades. Your PSAT score looks promising so doing well on the SAT and/or ACT will definitely help your chances. At the end of Junior year, repost with your updated stats and we will see how you compare for your schools on interest.
With your 1350 SAT and 3.8 GPA, I’m predicting this:
UCLA - Rejected (low SAT, low GPA)
UCSD - Rejected (Low SAT, low GPA)
Cal Poly SLO - Accepted/waitlisted
UCLA and UCSD are very competitive for any field. Engineering is the most competitive. You need to have over a 4.0 weighted GPA to have good chances in these schools. Also, try to bring your SAT up to a 1450. I think you would get into Cal Poly, but they’re rather competitive for engineering so don’t count on it. Consider some safety schools like UC Santa Cruz, UC Riverside, and Cal Poly Pomona. Good luck!