Poor GPA

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I was wondering how much my chances would be affected by a downward trend in GPA? </p>

<p>Freshman: 3.9 (4 Honors Classes)
Sophomore: 3.6 (5 Honors, 1 AP)
Junior: 3.5 (4 Honors, 3 APs) Included 2 Cs in Pre-Calc
Cumulative: 3.56/4.3
Rank: in top 15/400</p>

<p>Every grade below an A (with perhaps 1-2 exceptions) is in a math or science course. I generally have quite a bit of trouble taking tests in math/science classes. </p>

<p>Other information:</p>

<p>SAT IIs:
Lit: 760
Bio: 700</p>

<p>APs:
Language: 5
History: 4
Bio: 4</p>

<p>SAT Is: 2100-2200. </p>

<p>ECs: Very good
Hooks: Writing and Art</p>

<p>Do I have a chance at these schools?</p>

<p>University of Chicago (probably EA)
Wellesley
Carleton
Smith
Bryn Mawr</p>

<p>Safeties:
Case Western
Rutgers
Drew</p>

2

<p>I think Carleton is a pretty long shot. The downward trend is an issue, making UofC and Smith more difficult, but still worth applying to because your rank is good. I think you have a reasonable shot at Bryn Mawr.</p>

3

<p>bump...and thank you</p>

4

<p>I think you have a good chance at all the chances you listed! :-)</p>

5

<p>bumped again</p>

6

<p>bump...yet again</p>

7

<p>What kind of academic reputation does your high school have? This make can make a huge difference in what a 3.5 GPA means.</p>

8

<p>I attend one of the top public schools in northern NJ...does that help any? Also, can anyone tell me how reasonable my list is in terms of reaches/matches/safeties?</p>

9

<p>Did you take the SATs? If your score is 2100-2200, then I think you have a good shot at all of them. If that's a projection, then who knows?</p>

<p>It would probably help if you had significant ECs. IMO many of those schools look at your non-academic accomplishments.</p>

10

<p>Wow, a 3.56 GPA and ranked 15!?!?! At my school you'd be ranked 150th. The GPA is poor, but your rank will help because it shows that everyone else has low GPAs too. You definitely have a chance at Chicago if you write a great essay.</p>

11

<p>Actually, rank is calculated w/ weighted GPA. My weighted GPA is a 4.3 and my unweighted is a 3.56.</p>

12

<p>Also, can anyone tell me whether I need to add/drop schools--is my list a "good, well thought out list?"</p>

13

<p>Unless you are doing it for financial reasons, I don't know that you need both Drew and Rutgers. If you were to drop one of these, you would have 7 applications. I think you might end up with 4 accepts, a couple of wl's, and a rejection - maybe a little better or worse. The important thing is it looks like you will have options come spring.</p>

<p>Start thinking about your UChicage essay: it really does matter. My son is happily immersed in orientation there now, and I really don't think he would be without a great essay!</p>