Schools that emphasize test scores over GPA?

College Search & Selection
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<p>as of now I have a 3.4 unweighted and a 3.6 weighted GPA, which is pretty low mostly because of the IB classes I took. My ACT is 31 and my SAT is 2080 (670 reading, 710 writing, 700 math). I'm positive I can raise them, especially SAT since it was my first try. I think my tests scores reflect me better than my GPA, so I was wondering which schools were more geared toward scores. I think the UC schools' admissions are pretty GPA based because UCSB has an average of 3.8 GPA and 29 ACT. ( I think.. just an example)</p>

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<p>You can look at the common data set for each school to see how the consider different parts of your application. . For example, here is Skidmore College’s:
Very important: rigor of secondary education
Important: Class rank; GPA; essay; recommendations; ECs; talent/ability; character/personality; volunteer work; work experience
Considered: Standardized test scores; interview; first generation; legacy; geographical residence; race/ethnicity’ level of interest
Not considered: state residency; religion</p>

<p>So in that case, the fact that you’re taking IB classes is great (especially if they are HL) but they wouldn’t care so much about your SAT/ACT scores as other things.</p>

<p>I will say, though, that most colleges have their own “weighing” system, so if you’re getting As and Bs in IB HL classes, they are going to look more favorably on that than someone pulling straight As in CP level classes.</p>

<p>My D had a similar situation: her mid-term GPA was 3.46, and 2100 SAT (with subject test scores of 720, 780.) She applied to some very selective LACs and was accepted to many of them. There are a few good threads on here with admissions results of kids like you that might give you some ideas:
<a href=“The "I Got in without a 3.7+ GPA" club - Applying to College - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/649604-the-i-got-in-without-a-3-7-gpa-club-p1.html&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“The 3.3 to 3.6 (GPA) Parents Thread - Parents Forum - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/869995-the-3-3-to-3-6-gpa-parents-thread-p1.html&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“Where did your 3.3-3.6 GPA child get in? - Parents Forum - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/767486-where-did-your-3-3-3-6-gpa-child-get-in-p1.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>thanks!!</p>

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<p>Grinnell College.</p>

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<p>I think you’ll find for many, many state flagships, your GPA is just fine and your test score will get you in a lot of them, plus some will even give you enough merit money to make tuition close to in-state. Check out Ohio State for example - although there is a class rank provision, there is no GPA component.</p>

<p><a href=“Merit-based scholarships - The Ohio State University”>http://undergrad.osu.edu/money-matters/scholarships.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;