<p>Okay, there's probably a reason why everyone gets accepted. But did anyone get in a top school with less than average grades? Perhaps due to a great essay? I need some encouragement.</p>
<p>There was a girl at my old school who had a 3.8 (A- = 3.67) and a 2150 SAT and got in SCEA into Stanford. The thing was she had really good essays and she was Intel STS Finalist so I mean that just like helps a lot. Everyone gets in for a reason, there is something about them. Just be yourself, and if the admissions officers feel that you would be the perfect fit you will get in. Don't worry.</p>
<p>3.8 =/= Less than average, especially if an A- is a 3.67. My school works the exact same way and a LOT of people with GPAs between 3.8 and 3.9 get into the top schools (Ivies, Stanford, UChicago, etc.)</p>
<p>^ what...we are now calling intel winners miracle stories?!?! insane.</p>
<p>2150 is not remarkably below the average--it is the average at some ivies and top schools...</p>
<p>and a 3.8 GPA is high, especially if you go to a hard school!</p>
<p>Personally, I have heard of one last year at my school who got into an ivy RD. Girl had 0 honors/AP courses (my school is full of them, no excuse), Didn't do any EC's in school (not saying she didn't do any outside...I have no idea), didn't win PSAT or African-American Recognition Award...no major awards announced in school; generally not on anyone's radar for even a top 50 school. </p>
<p>On the other hand, another girl at my school, who I'm closer to and know her story, had leadership/depth in 2-3 main ECs, all honors/AP (2 in junior, 6 in senior APs, 5's), SATs around 2100 or so, Commended, etc, etc...was rejected ED (not even deferred). All the teachers were really shocked. Ended up going to a top 20 school</p>
<p>I don't think anyone would be shocked if girl 2 hadn't gotten in, but when girl 1 did...it sort of makes you wonder what they are looking for. Perhaps she had something amazing/great story to tell. I'm not going to judge.</p>