Low GPA, High SATs

Colleges and Universities A-Z Vanderbilt University
1

<p>Male/Caucasian
Large Public (~515 students)
MA
Low income
Possible majors: Econ, Computer Science</p>

<p>3.2-3.3 unweighted (2.4 freshman, 3.0 sophomore, 3.7 junior, 4 (term 1) senior) Class rank: top 25%
3.8-3.9 weighted (.75 AP, .5 H, .25 regular)</p>

<p>SAT I: 2370 (800 Math, 800 CR, 770 Writing(11 Essay))
ACT: 36</p>

<p>SAT II: US Hist 2 & Physics & Math II (800 all)</p>

<p>AP Exams:</p>

<p>AP Lang (5)
AP US Hist (5)
AP Macroeconomics (5)
AP Microeconomics (5)
AP Comp Science A (5)
AP Psychology (5)
AP Calc AB (5)
AP Lit (5)
AP Government (5)</p>

<p>EC:</p>

<p>Cross Country Varsity (Junior & Senior)
Indoor Track Varsity (Junior & Senior)
Outdoor Track Varsity (Junior & Senior)
Summer Job at restaurant (Junior entering Senior)
Some volunteering hours (~ 50)</p>

<p>Assuming all Rec's are good.
Essays will be excellent.</p>

2

<p>The first question any ADCOM will have is…with your test scores why aren’t you the valedictorian of your high school? There are many valid answers for that question but in general high test scores with low grades=underachiever, lazy, or late bloomer. No “most selective” university is looking for gifted underachievers. If there is a reason let them know. If you understand the disconnect and will be a late bloomer now that you have a goal let them know. </p>

3

<p>I would avoid applying to LACs, and apply to larger schools who may be more willing to take a chance because they have so many seats to fill - like NYU, etc.</p>