<p>My son could be described as the classic underacheiver. His GPA does not represent his ability. Using the Naviance Program, there is not a single student with his low GPA and high SAT in the history of his school! </p>
<p>There are valid reasons for his underacheiving which I will not bore you with, but the good news is, he is on the upswing. 9th grade 3.2 gpa w/ 3 honors classes, 10th grade 3.5 w/ 3 honors and 11th grade 3.9 w/ 2 APs (all weighted). His 1st swing at the SATs he got 800cr and 670 math. My son really wants to be in an urban environment. He is interested in the sciences, Bio and Chem mostly, but he loves literature and reads 1000+ pages per month for fun. We have been saving since he was born so cost is not a consideration. I expect he will receive stellar reccommendations from his AP Bio teacher and his guidance counselor who holds my son in high regard. I think because he is a grounded, respectful student in a absurdly affluent private school. At worst, I expect his essays to be above average, his vocabulary is astounding, though his structure can be lacking.
I ask for the direction of other parents with students like my own. Where have they found success in applying and which schools have valued what students like my own bring to the table?
I have read, on this forum and others, that students like my son can be thought of favorably by admissions committees because they have not yet "peaked." Yet my son is a member of the class of 2009 which has been referred to as the "peak year for college applications."
Here's what we are looking at right now.
NYU
Fordham
Loyola of Chicago
Northeastern
Drew University
Case Western Reserve
St. Johns of Annapolis
Son will also apply to ND because his father is a contibuting alum, but isn't to keen on South Bend and we all worry about the "fit"
Thank you</p>
<p>He sounds like a bright kid, just either bored with school or just isn't very motivated. But he has interests in the sciences, is a great reader, and is improving his grades. All are very positive. I wonder if he really is bored with school or whether he just lacks motivation. He might be so bright that he's bored with school (which might not be challenging enough for him) so he underperforms, and a lot of really bright students have done that. And colleges are aware of that, too.</p>
<p>But I'm actually a student, so.... Your son is doing much better--college admissions officers call it an 'upward trend,' which is great.</p>
<p>First, I would suggest you post this on the Parents Forum (if you haven't already.) You'll get a lot of support there and priceless words of wisdom, particularly from parents of underachievers (you are not alone!)</p>
<p>Second, I can already tell Northeastern may not be the best place for your son. It's a school for people on a specific career track and very practical in orientation. Whereas it sounds like your son maybe a young man who's discovering his abilities and intellect and would benefit most from a school that will give him a wide spectrum of options, including terrific humanities (I'm thinking here of his voracious reading.) If your son likes Boston, BU may be more to his liking. Also, have you considered some of the renown big research schools like Michigan or Wisconsin? They may prove a refreshing change after his "absurdly affluent" private school while still offering word-class academics.</p>
<p>I am puzzled too. But I am used to gpa scoring based on 4.0 scale, so 3.9 does not sound very low even by CC standards. EC's can often play a big role in admissions for students who are academic underachievers.</p>
<p>I should claify that his cumulative GPA will be around 3.5 at the end of this year. His EC's are somewhat unconventional; fencing and bowling (non competitive) weekly @Habitat for Humanity for 3 years Mission trip to Jamaica and NYLF medicine. No academic awards.
Thanks for the advice about posting to the parents forum... I will if I can figure out how!!!</p>
<p>It's hard to keep a good GPA in hgih school. I have a 3.5 GPA (after my first semster of freshmen year) and now in my second semester I have been working much harder and have a 4.1 GPA. It's all about dedication.</p>
<p>He should think about schools on broader terms. There are plenty of cities with vibrant art scenes that are not major metropolises. Look for schools that are within 90 minutes of a city - close enough to enjoy on the weekend, but not as a part of daily life.</p>
<p>Also, with his profile, he should look at schools that are disproportionately female, since he may get something of a boost there.</p>