Should I bother applying here?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Occidental College
1

Hello! I was looking to apply to at least one private school and it seems like Occidental College would be a wonderful place to go. However, my grades are low and my family could really use the financial aid (which is apparently really good from what I hear).

I have a 3.2 gpa (had a rough freshmen and sophomore year) and a 3.8 weighted gpa. My sat is a bit better. I have a 1830, which is apparently within the middle 50 percentile.

But according to their Common Data Set, they weigh class rigor and extracurricular activities higher than GPA and SATs. And I’ve been told I’m exceptional in those aspects.

I know this college is a reach for me statistically. But by how much? Should I go apply for a different college?

2

If you already have the Common App filled out because of other schools that you’re applying to, go for it. It seems like a school that you genuinely like and would consider actually attending so I encourage you to apply, even if it is a reach school for you.

3

Go for it!!