How much does a high SAT score (1450+) make up for a low gpa (>3.4)?
I would look at the colleges averages for both. Also look at collegedata.com and see how important standardized tests are based on the particular college. (Search college then click admissions). If standardized tests are as important as GPA than a high SAT could probably compensate for a below average GPA, and a very very high SAT (1560 +) could probably compensate for a really bad GPA (depending on the selectivity of the college). If colleges value GPA more than SAT’s (based on collegedatat.com) than a very very high SAT would compensate for a very low GPA but your SAT score needs to be WAY above that colleges average (we are talking like at least 200-250 points above the SAT composite average). If it’s IVY leagues and top private colleges than both your GPA and SAT have to be really high regardless.
It depends upon where you are applying. There are of course many good universities where an unweighted GPA of 3.28 (from your other thread) is fine.
A few of us did our best to estimate your chances on your other thread. I do think that your high SAT moderate GPA makes it a bit uncertain where you would get in.
For somewhere like UMass Lowell your GPA is fine, your SAT is way above their average, and you are in-state. For UMass Amherst since you are in-state your very strong SAT might help. I have seen cases such as this where universities have waited to see a student’s mid-term grades before making a decision. I would suggest that you apply and that you try to keep your grades up as much as you can for your senior year. Whether UMass Amherst will wait for mid-term grades I am not sure.
For somewhere like UCLA or UCB or even UCD, I think that your high SAT is not going to make up for your GPA. They have plenty of applicants with high SAT and high GPA.
All of course is only my opinion. I do not work for any university.
Depends on where you want to go. It probably won’t get you into a prestigious school, but it’s worth trying. The worst they could do is say no. For other schools, those SAT scores could earn a partial scholarship. Either way, having an employable degree from a respectable school is worth it’s weight in gold. You definitely have the stats for that.