<p>I know that this topic has been discussed before, but I'm asking from a slightly different point of view.</p>
<p>Basically, according to Naviance, my WGPA is about .1 lower than the average of students (specifically from my school) admitted for several of the schools I'm applying to (U Chicago, U Penn, et cetera), however, my SAT score is usually 100-200 points higher than average for applicants from my school.</p>
<p>How does this look to adcoms?</p>
<p>It depends on the school. Some value GPA more than scores, some the reverse. I know that Penn values your high school transcript over your scores, not sure about Chicago.</p>
<p>Also, being .1 below or 100-200 points above others is not a significant difference in admissions.</p>
<p>High SAT and low GPA looks lazy. And GPA is more important than SAT for holistic admissions in general.</p>
<p>How do they usually view your GPA; in the context of your school, or the nation as a whole?</p>
<p>You need SAT/SAT II/AP scores to accurately gauge the value of a GPA. For all colleges know, a 4.0 UW could have been earned in a school that gives As for attendance, and a 1800 on the SAT, 3s on AP tests, and 600s on SAT IIs will attest to that. Similarly, you could earn a 3.5 in a HS that almost never gives As and a 2300, 800 on multiple SAT IIs, and multiple 5s can support that impression.</p>
<p>in the context of your school.</p>
<p>^ Well that really sucks for me then</p>
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<p>Why does it suck?</p>
<p>^Most admitted applicants from my school have higher GPAs than I do, they usually hover around 3.8-3.9 UW and 4.6-4.7 W, whereas I’ve managed to pull only a 3.76 UW and 4.5 W.</p>
<p>Dishonor is imminent</p>
<p>that’s not really all that far off from the average admitted for your school then. It’s like the difference between an A+ and an A in maybe 2 or so classes. Or something simple like that. Don’t worry, you’re pretty close.</p>
<p>Do you really thing schools like this are THAT focused on score differences? I don’t think so. I think your essays, recs and ECs are what makes the difference at that level. What have you contributed? Are you a leader? Things like that are so much more important.</p>
<p>My school doesn’t use the +/- system, for us, 79.5-89.4 is a B, 89.5-100 is an A. Sometimes, it’s pretty helpful, others, not so much.</p>
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<p>I’m just afraid that there are others from my school with comparable EC’s. </p>
<p>Also, the nature of my 'B’s is what really concerns me, I’m getting two 1st semester of junior year, and while I’m very confident that I can finish second semester with all 'A’s, I’m afraid that first semester has already killed my chances.</p>
<p>Is a 2150 SAT enough to counterbalance a low 3.4 UW GPA with an UW GPA of 3.9 for junior and senior year?</p>
<p>To the OP, it really depends on the schools you are applying. If you are talking about highly selective schools (Ivies, Bowdoin, Middlebury, etc.) then they won’t just look at GPA and SAT but everything on your application. Once you’re above 3.7 unweighted with rigorous courses, you have likely gained their respect and they keep reviewing yoru application. While a higher SAT and low GPA can suggest you haven’t fully tapped your potential, it can also help you stand out relative to other students with a 3.7/3.8 GPA. Some state flagships actually look at your GPA and SAT to determine merit, and at many state flagship schools you would be in the running. Don’t worry about what you cannot change at this point. Move forward, plan ahead, work hard.</p>
<p>Billybeeju, the answer depends on what types of schools you’re applying, what kind of high school you attended, and several other factors. Your SAT / GPA gap is larger than the OP, so it could appear your potential has been more underutilized, but we would have to know more to comment accurately. If your math score is 800 and your english and writing are much lower, that would suggest you are a math/science type so tech schools would still be very interested. If your english and writing are very high, and your math is lower, then you would be better appying to other types of schools. If you are equally strong in all areas, a great LAC would be a great option. The key is to not look just at GPA/SAT, but at all of your strengths. The college application process is about finding the right fit to help you excel, it is not a lottery or a contest. There is a great college out there that will match your SAT/GPA/finances/interests/and social needs.</p>
<p>IMO (It varies by school, but here is what I think when dealing with upper universities and such)
A good SAT without a GPA show laziness
A good GPA with lack of SAT score show weak school program/weak student in terms of academics.
That being said, the better they match, the better chances you have. If you have a 4.0 GPA and you are number one in your class, you should be getting a 2100+ to be considered a viable valedictorian.
SAT is MORE important than GPA= Plausible Argument
GPA is MORE important than SAT= False (They may be equal, but the GPA is not more important IMO)
Why?
There are over 20k valedictorians in the United States for public schools. There are a TON more 3.9-4.0UW GPA’s…each school is different. In your school, a 3.6+ may be amazing, in my school, a 3.8 is average. GPA has too many variables to allow to be more valuable in determining ability than a STANDARDIZED test that everyone takes and makes for a fair comparison. Just my two cents, feel free to disagree.</p>
<p>I know this topic has been beaten to death, but I only know what I see with my own eyes. My D’s PSATs were not good as a soph. She has never gotten a B in her life taking all honors. She is the type of student who would do well anywhere…why?..because she puts the time in until she understands the topic fully, always going the extra mile to get the best grade possible. Her PSATs, IMO, in no way show her potential, yet most competitive colleges will not accept her because her scores are too low. Something is not right there, but I see no easy solution.</p>
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<p>This is so true! No GPAs from different schools are created equal. My friend had a 3.8(w) through his first two years of high school. Then he moved across the country and now has a 4.7(w). He says the classes there are so much easier. </p>
<p>At my school, a 3.8 is very good, good enough for top 20 colleges. Our valedictorian has a 4.6(w), where as other schools might have several students with above 4.6s. This is why standardized testing scores are so valuable, everyone is dealing with the same thing.</p>
<p>For University of California, GPA rules.</p>
<p>In my opinion, order of importance is class rank, GPA, SAT, essay and then EC. </p>
<p>For HS students, first they should aim to be in the top 10% of their class, then aim for all As, and shoot for a respectable SAT. You are set for your dream school!</p>