I have a fairly low GPA of around 3.2 and am just barely in the top third of my class. But I have a 32 ACT w writing. How do admission offices see this? I’m hoping to attend an elite school. (Stanford, Columbia, etc.)
32 ACT is low for that level of schools.
A lowish ACT score can be offset by a high GPA, which you do not have. Unless you have some amazing EC’s and/or a hook that level of school is out of reach.
A 32 is also on the lower side for the Ivies, so it may not redeem your entire application. A 3.2 is simply too low, considering that most people view a 3.8 as an adequate GPA for these elite schools. Now if you have legacy that’s a different story, but not with this. Also the ACT isn’t enough. You would also need extremely good subject test/AP scores as well to stand a chance.
A 32 isn’t a high ACT for those schools. Getting over a low GPA is nearly impossible, so unless you have incredible ECs and great essays I think Stanford/Ivies are out of reach. Apply, but don’t expect anything.
Agreed with the people above. Your ACT scores are amazing by most school’s standards, but those scores are on the low/average end for those kind of schools. Definitely apply if you’re ok with paying the application fees, but PLEASE apply to other schools, such as your state flagship and other decent schools.
To have a realistic chance of getting into one of these schools, you need both. Even then, you’re competing with applicants that have a 34 or higher. With the current GPA, you’re application is going to get tossed without a second glance. You still have strong stats for a good college. Find one that fits your strengths and interest that you can afford.
Assuming you are an unhooked applicant, your GPA and ACT give you no realistic shot at those schools. Keep in mind that the elite colleges typically accept fewer than 10% (Stanford fewer than 5%) of applicants. People with perfect GPA and standardized tests are routinely turned down as there just isn’t enough space to accept all of the well qualified applicants. One would need to excel in every possible way (academically, extracurriculars, essays, recommendations) to have a chance of getting into elite colleges.
You need to expand your horizons, become more realistic, and recognize that there are many wonderful schools out there where you can have a great 4 year experience and get where you want to go in life. Here are a few steps I’d recommend.
–Talk to your guidance counselor about realistic college options.
–Get your hands on a good college guide book (ex. Fiske, Princeton Review) which can often be found in the guidance office or library and start reading.
–If your HS has Naviance use that system.
–Think about what is important to you in a college – don’t just obsess about prestige – seek out schools that are a good fit for you.
Agree with everyone. Those schools are out of reach and you are throwing away money by even applying. You need to apply to colleges where your grades and test scores are at least in the 50th percentile. You can google the Common Data Set for almost any college and see how you compare.