Hey Guys,
According to Davidson’s Common Data Set, GPA is placed under the “Considered” category for admission while standardized testing is a notch above it at “Important”. Does this really mean that high test scores could offset a subpar GPA?
Thanks!
I think their Common Data Set is messed up because they list “Interview” as important and they don’t even offer an interview!
According to the Admissions staff, they treat rigor of curriculum and GPA as more important than testing. If you look at past years’ applicants (on this site and elsewhere), this appears to be true. Some applicants with very high SATs do not get accepted if they do not appear to be a good fit. While high SATs or ACTs are always good, what would be more effective to offset lower GPA would be compelling essays, recommendations, activities, or a demonstrated passion for Davidson.
I’ve yet to hear about any competitive school that treats test scores higher than GPA (relative to your school profile which shows rigor of the classes you took vs what was offered, historic performance of kids at your school, etc.). Way above usually, which is why some schools have even gone test data optional. That school profile is the secret sauce of the admissions process and why you are largely competing against your own school – not just your year but recent history.