<p>I have a very low GPA (3.2). My school doesn't weight GPAs or rank students (but I know I'm in the top quarter somewhere). My high school is a public school but it is very rigorous. 76% of students earn less than a 3.0. My SAT score is pretty good though (2100). I have also taken SAT II Biology (730) and SAT II Chemistry (700).</p>
<p>I have decent extracurriculars too. I do lights for the school play, I'm a volunteer EMT, I volunteer in the hospital, there are a lot of other things that I participate in too.</p>
<p>Absolutely! Your SAT is strong, and GPA is always relative to your school’s curve. Your guidance counselor should make it clear to Tulane what the situation is at that school, and depending on where you are there is a good chance Tulane is already familiar with the school. It also sounds like you have taken a challenging schedule so far. How many AP classes will you have by the time you finish high school?</p>
<p>The next key is to visit Tulane if possible, and if not get to know the school as well as you can through the web tour and reading up on it. Tulane will want to know why you want to attend and having a strong, information-based reason will definitely help you.</p>
<p>Thanks for the help. I think I will have taken 8 AP classes by the time I graduate, and a couple of actual college classes through dual enrollment. I’ll talk to my guidance counselor.</p>
<p>No problem, always glad to try and help. All highly selective colleges look for rigorous coursework in high school, and yours certainly fits that. If all the other components of your application look good, I would think you would have a extremely high chance of acceptance at Tulane.</p>
<p>YES apply! Make sure you put your heart into the Why Tulane essay. Apply EA. My DS did not have the greatest GPA or SAT scores but he showed true passion for Tulane and showed an upward trend in his grades. He was accepted SCEA. Don’t let your grades stop you.</p>
<p>Another vote to apply! Tulane looks at the big picture, not just gpa and test scores. They want someone who really wants Tulane too, so definitely put some effort into the why Tulane essay.</p>
<p>Definitely apply. My son had a similar situation: very rigorous high school, lots of AP and advanced classes, and a similar GPA/SAT. I do think that Tulane looks at the whole application and real interest in Tulane itself makes a difference. So ditto the advice to work hard to make your case for “Why Tulane” in the supplemental essay. (My son had done extensive community service in NOLA for 4+ years.)</p>
<p>In general, you should make a realistic college list, but not be afraid to put a couple of reaches on there. According to CC and other “chance sites” my son was getting in nowhere because of the GPA. But in fact he got into 7 out of 10 schools (waitlist at 2, rejected at only 1). He was accepted at Tulane, though late (off the waitlist). There is no way for these sites to account for the rigor of your HS, though the colleges for the most part have a better idea. Your SAT II scores show a level of mastery; that will help for sure! Good luck!</p>
<p>Let me join the Greek chorus. Of course you should apply. If you don’t, you’ll regret it, even if you are not accepted. Here’s a story that should encourage you. A classmate of my son (who is an entering Freshman at Tulane) had a higher GPA and scored 1 point more on the ACT. My son, who showed great interest in Tulane (and did the crucial “optional” essay) got accepted two weeks after applying. His friend got rejected.</p>
<p>Same message here… my son also had a 3.2 GPA but only <em>one</em> AP class. He did well on the ACT and wrote a great “why Tulane?” essay.</p>
<p>The only caveat is that he did not get much merit money, making this a very steep investment for him. Still, our visit to the school sealed it for him. He sat in on a class and just fell in love with Tulane and with NOLA.</p>
<p>Another vote to apply! Nothing ventured…nothing gained! The GPA is only one part of the overall picture. You have strong SAT scores. You have great volunteer experience - something that is valued by Tulane. Write a wonderful response to the “optional” Why Tulane essay prompt.</p>