<p>The question of whether a person with high sats/good ECs can get into top schools with a relatively low gpa seems to come up quite often. I was wondering if anybody here has some stories they would like to post about people who were in this position and were accepted into the school they wanted.</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>yes, yes and yes. It can and does happen. You just need to know how to play the game. It's a matter of spin.</p>
<p>Here's my story:</p>
<p>I'll preface this by saying I am not an athletic recruit, URM or legacy.</p>
<p>SATs: 800 Verbal, 620 Math, 800 Writing (Perfect grammar subscore, 12/12 on essay)
SAT IIs: 720 World History, 800 US History, 790 Literature
GPA: 3.26
Rank: 251/469</p>
<p>My ECs are long and involved (not too many of them, I just did A LOT with the ones I got involved in) so I'm not going to type them up.</p>
<p>Used a fee waiver.</p>
<p>Accepted: Dartmouth College(Attending), University of Georgia, Tufts University, New York University
Waitlisted: Duke University
Rejected: Harvard University</p>
<p>Essays are IMPORTANT, as are having high-impact ECs (not necessarily national ECs, but something you have a demonstrable passion for and impact in). You also need good references to cover your GPA and to provide a valid reason (if any) for your GPA. I had no reason, really, I was just lazy, but my teachers LOVED me and wrote recs that showed that.</p>
<p>Remember, the transcript is a huge part of the evaluation, and unless you can make up for it in a big way with other things, your chances are slim. But also remember, YOU CAN PLAY THIS GAME AND WIN. People told me I had no chance, but that's BS. Don't let people get you down on here. Most of em have no idea what they're talking about.</p>
<p>I am SO happy I got into Dartmouth, it was my first choice by far. I can't wait to go there in the fall.</p>
<p>for real though, good job. Im hoping to transfer to an ivy one day....</p>
<p>lets keep the ball rolling (bump)</p>
<p>congrats crackaidsbaby</p>
<p>Although I did not have success at all the top schools, I did have considerable success at schools that I definitely did not have the statistics for. First off, I am not an athlete, or an URM. I attend a private high school and am an asian-american. My SAT scores were below a 1300 (old) and 2000 (new). But, I had pretty strong EC's, a mediocre GPA, good rec's and solid essays. The other factor was that I really buckled down the first semester of my senior year. I sent my first semester report card to all my schools. (improved about 5 points than my 6 semester GPA)</p>
<p>Here is how I did:
Accepted:
Boston College (Early Action)
American University
University of Rochester
SUNY Geneseo
Loyola Maryland
McDaniel College
Rollins College</p>
<p>Getting accepted to the last three were not as surprising as they were match schools but the first four were definitely not in my reach considering my numbers. I had alot of EC's, but to keep it short I had over 1500 hours of community service, I was heavily involved in my church, I started a Golf program for inner-city minorities and I was President of my student body. Although I didn't get into a few schools that I really would have liked to I can't say that I am disappointed considering the odds. I wish I would have done about 100 points better on my SAT's because I think I would have had a shot at some other schools. The key is to find schools that play to your advantage. For instance, Boston College is a Catholic school and Jesuit school as well. They are big on community service and church involvement, which I both had. Additionally, there a little bit bigger than most small liberal art schools, so they can afford to take a chance on a kid who maybe didn't have the scores but was solid the rest of the way around. Additionally, I applied early showing that I really was interested and they were more likely to be able to give a spot to someone who really is interested. There is hope for those out there who don't have the numbers, but you need to play to your advantages. Also, just because you have Great EC's and you don't get into a top school doesn't mean that you should discredit any of your work that you've done. Some schools just have numbers they need to see, and nothing should take away from the accomplishments that you've earned and the lessons as well. Good luck to all, and if i can be of any help please feel free to message me.
-Al</p>
<p>here's mine:
rejected in 6 colleges consecutively, waitlisted at 2, accepted at one (that was the last decision to be out). Pheww
A close shave indeed!</p>
<p>I got into Carleton with a low GPA but good SATs and ECs.</p>
<p>got into claremont mckenna with a 2250 and 3.59uw</p>
<p>i know of someone who got into georgetown on something around a 3.5 gpa, and almost no A's in the last two years of her high school career</p>
<p>My friend got into UVA and UMich (in state) with a 3.5, but his SAT was like 2300</p>
<p>my freshmen GPA was like 3.0 or 2.9 idk but i got into Columbia</p>
<p>thats why I am getting anal about my SAT scores</p>
<p>2400 here i come!!!!!!!!!!!</p>