<p>For the elite colleges, I believe that a less than stellar GPA would have to be compensated with not just ultra-high SAT scores, but also an impressive list of ECs and awards. Please respond with your opinion on the following scenario - (non-URM)</p>
<p>GPA - 3.6
SAT I - 2300+
5+ APs all 5's
National Merit Scholarship finalist (let's say 240 on PSAT)
State Scholastic Chess Champion (from a big state)
State Novice Debate Champion
State Science Fair Competition - 1st Place
Siemen-Westinghouse Semi-Finalist
School Community Service Chair
Student Gov - Senator
Violin - Senior District, Honor Orchestra
Chess Club Captain and Instructor
Breakdance Club
Fluent in two foreign languages
Poetry contest winner
School publication editor
Passion in Biological Science - Advanced Classes/Research in College
Excellent recommendations</p>
<p>The question - what is this candidate's chance of getting into Harvard? If low, what would the candidate have to do other than improving the GPA to significantly improve the chance?</p>