<p>So... I have a really low GPA (3.3-3.4) but good standardized test scores (2200-2300, 2 800s on SAT IIs). Now I know that many admissions officers will probably see me as a "smart slacker" and disregard my application, but will a huge upward trend and a very rigorous schedule help get rid of my slacker status? I made a huge improvement sophomore --> junior year and I plan to get a 4.0 with one of the hardest schedules possible senior year. If you were an admissions officer, would you consider a student with good standardized test scores and a low GPA with a big upward trend a slacker?</p>
<p>Yes, I would consider you a slacker. Your mid-year senior grades may help you. Your last semester will only help you if you are waitlisted.</p>
<p>I don’t think it’s that simple or bleak. You probably aren’t looking at Ivy schools and that tier, where you pretty much have to have almost perfect grades AND be really cool and interesting. </p>
<p>Do you have any cool things you put time and energy into? Anything that isn’t the normal teen EC - yearbook, school sports, math club, etc? a GPA of 3.3-3.4 isn’t “really low” - is that weighted or unweighted? Have you taken honors or AP level classes? What are you doing this summer? Are you going to have teacher recommendations that have something positive to say enthusiastically? What kinds of schools are you looking at - large state university or smaller private school? What are you interested in studying while in college? Have you done anything outside of school somewhat related to that? </p>
<p>Some schools are almost entirely stat driven (large state U’s), and some really do look at your whole application and try to figure out who you are. Your test scores are incredible and your grades are solid (do you have C’s in academic courses?). </p>
<p>Admissions officers aren’t stupid or naive - they know there are lots of kids in the world who are smart and energetic and interesting, and who don’t get perfect grades for different reasons - immaturity at the beginning of high school (indicated by your upward trend), lack of organizational and time management skills (again, your grades improving over time show that whatever was not clicking in your freshman year has gotten better over time) or just plain not being interested in jumping through hoops to get perfect grades (lots of interesting and interested smart student fall into this category).</p>
<p>How are you spending your summer? Just make sure you’re doing something interesting. Don’t sleep till noon and then sit on the couch playing video games (for all kinds of reason, not just college admissions! ;)). </p>
<p>Heck - my older son had a 3.2 UW and 3.6 W GPA, SAT 2090, SAT II’s 780 and 670, but he did cool things with his time and ended up with a full tuition merit scholarship at a top 40 “US News Ranked National University”. </p>
<p>If you are a “smart slacker” who is really just slacking with your free time, then wake up and get out in the world and participate in something - it will benefit you in a million different ways! In the meantime, you will be admitted to a ton of schools with your numbers - good luck!</p>
<p>Hmm that’s tough. Some college admissions officers would be okay with that. But others emphasize that they look at your entire 4 years because otherwise, every kid wouldn’t have to do well from the start and then be accepted into a top college because they only made effort during the last two years so it looked like they’re “smart” and became more “mature” just in time for college. Just cross your fingers!</p>