<p>Nyermom:
Thanks so much for your insight and wisdom having just completed the process. Some of us on this thread are first-timers like me and others have older kids who may or may not have had similar stats. </p>
<p>Posting schools where “3.0 - 3.3” kids got accepted is so helpful to parents who are looking for colleges that welcome and are eager to accept their kids.</p>
<p>I like this thread because there are many kids who don’t have a high GPA AND high test scores. My D has a very good GPA (due to a less rigorous class schedule), but we’ve had to completely rethink college options after her first SAT/ACT scores came out and were 90 points LESS than the PSAT. D’s dream 1st choice college 50% SAT average is 1925 and that’s clearly not likely, even with tutoring and prep.</p>
<p>…Here’s to the journey. May we all find that perfect fit for our kids so that next year at this time, we too will be celebrating their successes (and maybe buying some fun collegiate bling to proudly wear).</p>
<p>Hi All.
Just found this thread and that post of schools is nice to peruse.
So many academic gems out there.</p>
<p>We have one who is a rising jr in college and one you is a hs jr and we are in the midst of the search…two very different kids and two very different lists.</p>
<p>I wish there were more visit reports on so many of these schools. Some are from years ago and some colleges have never had a report filed.</p>
<p>Momofwon, My D had a 1560 on her first SAT which was near her PSAT (that score I can’t recall). She did prep. We may have gotten lucky with the class she took, but she took it three more times, two during the class. May- 1740. June- 1890. Then in November she did one last try without having studied since the spring and got 2050. So, its possible. We are in VA so if you are too by some chance, send me a PM and we’ll see if its close enough for you to try this person if you’re interested. What sold me was a friend whose son (class of 2012) had also gone up 500 points. I thought that was a huge leap, but D went up 490 so maybe not… :)</p>
<p>momofwon: Tutoring and prep can help on the SATs (my D went up over 500 total points from her PSATs). AND…there are many excellent “test optional” schools. American is just one that comes to mind.</p>
<p>nyermom. Thanks for the encouragement about raising test scores (500 points from PSAT–wow!). We have the opposite issue many on this thread have–good GPA, but low test scores. The interesting thing about D’s test scores is that her PSAT scores were right at her parents’ and guidance counselor’s expectation – 1750 (in the 75th percentile of all taking the test). First SAT scores in January put her in the 60% range–1660 and was devastating to D. She was inconsolable–especially when all of her friends’ scores were much higher. But, we assured her that her life wasn’t over and with hard work , private tutoring and dedication, she could improve her scores if SHE was willing to put in the effort. D is hoping in June to get a score 100 points above the PSAT, which everyone thinks is doable. Time will tell. </p>
<p>In the meantime, life will go on and she’ll be fine. I love the quote I read in a CC thread yesterday. “Bloom where you’re planted.” In this era of entitlement and wanting everything immediately, this is an excellent reminder that life is about making do and being successful whatever your circumstances are. Perfectly stated.</p>
<p>Not that your DD will need to apply to only “test optional” schools, but figured I’d post the list of schools for anyone else that may have a kid with higher GPA, but low test scores. There are SO MANY great schools that are now “test optional”! Your D will definitely be accepted to some wonderful schools and have lots of options to choose from come next year, so no worries, but did want to pass on the link for any 2014 3.0-3.3 parents (just went through the process with DD that has same stats and I could not be more proud of the way it’s gone for her…you can find my posts on the 2013 threads :)).</p>
<p>Thanks jkiwmom! D really wants to go to a big OOS public or private school vs. a small LAC. We know she can do well at a big school because she likes to be challenged and would thrive in a Greek system if she decides it’s right for her (her mom and both g’mas were sorority girls and she’s grown up hearing about lifelong friendships, pledge daughters, good times, etc., so the odds are probably favorable she’ll “go Greek”.). </p>
<p>Although difficult, we let her know she needs to expand her options beyond U of Ill. and U. Wisconsin where she’s a 4x legacy to include schools that her test scores and GPA might be a better match (Indiana, Purdue, U of AZ, U of Colorado, S y r a c u s e). </p>
<p>In fact, S y r a c u s e seems very interested in her and has scheduled a private department tour and meetings when we visit in Aug. Unlike the other publics, they actually value, very highly (as per the common data set info), a student’s level of interest. Our D has been in touch with an SU Director of Recruitment for over a year. Being from the NW could be a plus and make up for lower test scores if they want more geographic diversity. You just never know…</p>
<p>There are many, many schools for average students (meaning those who score around 1500/2400). We have several at our school and they end up with acceptances.</p>
<p>York College of PA comes to mind as one that is even considered a Best Buy by some ratings.</p>
<p>Nice coincidence! D was passing through Atlanta airport this morning on class trip and excitedly snagged a S Y R A C U S E Final 4 t-shirt. Tonight’s game is being played in Atlanta so there’s a lot of basketball college team items for sale due to fans pouring into the city. </p>
<p>I am beginning the college search process for my third and final child. I will admit to enjoying the process as much as my kids hate it. D3 is my biggest challenge since she is an exceptional underachiever. As of right now, it looks like her cummulative GPA through her junior year will likely be a 3.0-3.1 with a 3.25-3.4 junior year grade. First shot at SAT was a 1640 out of 2400. </p>
<p>We did our first college visit last week to Marist and it is clear that a larger college is her preference. We have a planned trip next week to Ohio to see Xavier, University of Cincinnati (my alma mater), Dayton and Miami. (where her brother graduated). We also have Susquehanna, St. Josephs (Philly) and University of Scranton on a separate trip, University of Rhode Island and University of Maine. She is interested in a larger school which is why there are a large number on the list. I am hoping to get her interested in Alfred and St. Bonaventure. She seems very excited about visiting Dayton and Maine. It will be an exhausting week but I will have some feedback to provide to anyone interested.</p>
<p>I look forward to being part of this thread.</p>
<p>Syracuse does not have to seek geographical diversity, SU has students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. It has been like that for many years. When I was an undergrad there, it was not unusual to hear at least six foreign languages or more during the course of the day.</p>
<p>Welcome bobbyct! As this is your third time around, I’m sure you’ve got a lot to share with us first-timers! Looking forward to the next 12 months. </p>
<p>Slumom: Thanks for your insight about SU’s geographic diversity! Would love to hear more about your experience there as D is really interested. It has everything she’s looking for (on paper) in a college, so we’re really hoping it’ll be as good a match in person (and, of course, that she’ll GET IN if she applies there). D is interested in fashion merchandising/retailing and business (marketing/management). Not all colleges have strong fashion AND business majors.</p>
<p>Ok, now that I’ve read all the posts(!) I am ready to post. My DD had a GPA of 2.98 at the end of sophomore year. She is doing well this year, taking one AP class, though no other honors level classes. She unfortunately has a C in English which will drag her down. Next year she is taking 1-2 AP classes. She wants to major in mechanical engineering. She figured this out after taking a CADD class and excelling in it. DS is a freshman at University of Alabama as an electrical engineering major. He excelled in school and got himself a full tuition scholarship plus. He is loving it there. DD needs to not only get her grades up, but also her score. She got a 1640 on the SAT first try and a 25 on the ACT first try. She will take again, and hopefully actually prepare this time! Next week we are going to look at SUNY Binghamton and RIT. I wish we had time to visit Alfred too as its in the general area but DD has to work so we could only squeeze those two in. I like all the comments about Alfred, she will definitely apply and hopefully we will be able to visit in the summer. She really wants to leave the state for school and she says she would rather go to a CC than our flagship school. I don’t get that but then again, I don’t understand a lot of what she says!</p>
<p>Welcome Proudmama3. It sounds as if your daughter is a perfect match for this thread–Great kids who may not have the highest GPA/test scores, but with drive and determination, can accomplish wonderful things.</p>
<p>It’s nice knowing that there are many schools who will welcome your D. Finding that perfect fit is far more important than prestige. Welcome to our 12-month journey!</p>
<p>@Proudmama3-I had to do a double take when I read your post since my D had almost the exact same grades and SAT score at the end of her sophomore year. a 2.96 and a 1640 SAT. Her junior year looks much more promising. In addition, we were recently at a college fair and, much to my surprise, asked if we could stop at the University of Alabama table. It only surprised me since her sister currently attends a Southern LAC and my D3 has said repeatedly that she doesn’t want to go to school in the South. However, she was very impressed with the UA Education major and the unique options offered. Who knows, she may look more into the school. What a coincidence.</p>
<p>And she might change her mind before she graduates. ;)</p>
<p>My oldest changed his focus about this time junior year… so we were suddenly visiting different colleges. He’s now a junior in college and happy (and getting married this summer!!!).</p>
<p>@momofwon, I got a great education at Syracuse, enjoyed the football and basket ball games, etc.
Most of my classes were in 3 buildings close to each other. The fraternities were a big deal then, not so much anymore. Some fraternity houses have been torn down since I graduated. It is a wonderful school, no matter where I go if I am wearing SU apparel, I always meet someone who is an alum or has a relative who is one. Must like snow! :)</p>
<p>Welcome ProudMama3! If you visit Alfred in the summer you probably would be able to lie down in the middle of South Main Street, with no fear of being run over. There will not be much going on.</p>