low gpa in competitive school

Applying to College
1

<p>I'm an international student in one of the top high schools in the country, and the competition is quite fierce. I scored 2200+ on the SAT I (single and only sitting), 800 for BioM, Math 2, and 770 in physics. however, my gpa is a bit under 3.5 (horrible... i know..) but the highest gpa in our class is 3.52 and I'm pretty sure my counselor mentioned that somewhere in his report... </p>

<p>Will schools (ie. stanford, hyp, other ivys) just look at my low gpa and toss my application away or will they understand the circumstances? Should i try to explain it in my own application or would that just seem like i'm looking for an excuse?
Thanks :)</p>

2

<p>They’ll consider the circumstances.</p>

3

<p>You have to make sure that your counselor has mentioned that the highest GPA is 3.52. If it’s in his/her report, you’re fine. They read “in context” as long as context is provided.</p>

4

<p>I’m in a bit of a similar situation, at my US highschool kids get into harvard with 3.6s and the average is about a 3.2. I’ve got a 3.45 and i’m applying to top non-ivy schools</p>

5

<p>Thanks guys :slight_smile: I just wanna make sure that it won’t affect my application too much.
@concordtown 3.6s get into Harvard?! Wow, I guess the admissions office really considers each person’s condition. Good luck with your application!!</p>