<p>I don't know if anyone has posted a thread like this before, but I could not find one when searching the forums. </p>
<p>Anyway, my friend and I were discussing how much the SAT I scores offset a mediocre GPA. We can use my statistics here for this situation. So lets say I get a very good score on the SAT in this final sitting (2300+ - or even a 2400), how much would that offset a GPA of 3.45 UW / 3.86 W? Assume I am applying to colleges such as Johns Hopkins University , Northwestern or other top colleges (But obviously not HYPS, but very good colleges ranked #10 and below). </p>
<p>My friend says that SAT I scores do not offset a GPA like 3.45 at all, and I agree with him. We came to the conclusion that the SAT I does not really mean as much as most people think. I mean, from how I see it, doesn't the GPA show more about the applicant than an SAT score? It should seem that way, but people seem to believe the SAT is everything in college admissions. Now I am not saying they are wrong or anything, but can anyone else add their input about this discussion we've had (How much an excellent SAT score offsets a mediocre GPA). </p>
<p>ANY INPUT WOULD BE GREAT!</p>
<p>PS: I do have some sort of interest in the answers given because I am applying to JHU and Janurary 27th will be my last shot to get a 2400 on the SAT I. Your answers will either give me the assurance that I have no shot at JHU, or a sliver of hope that I still have a shot.</p>
<p>Just go for it. Get off the computer and go study for the Jan. SAT. Even if I were to claim that it does hurt your chances (personally I don't know), would that statement stop you from applying? I guess not. Don't waste valuable time since this is your last shot.</p>
<p>As much as I'm sure a stellar SAT score won't offset a low GPA completely, I'm quite sure it does help!</p>
<p>If you're applying to Johns Hopkins, I think it'll end up coming down to your math/science ECs, awards, activities and such. If your SAT score and your GPA are low, I'm pretty sure nothing but affirmative action or some really insane activity can save you, but if it's only one that's low (GPA in your case), I think your chances are still salvageable by some good ECs and awards.</p>
<p>Well your GPA should be relative to your school. If your school has a record for notoriously hard grading, then you *should * get some slack. Another important thing is your class rank and how well you did in comparison to your classmates. As for SAT scores, I think the scores act as an equalizer. High school courses across the nation vary greatly, but sat tests are essentially the same.</p>