<p>Hey guys. So I was wondering what colleges think when they look at an applicant who has good ACTs (32), a rigorous class schedule, 200+ volunteer work hours, many extracurriculars, good recommendations, but a low GPA (3.4) and class rank (55 out of 105). Do they automatically throw the applicant out because of a poor GPA and class rank or are there exceptions?</p>
<p>thats tough. i was always under the impression that the best way for colleges to drain out applicants is to check the GPA and then the SAT/ACT. It won't be easy for you but if your stats are as good as you say you stand a chance.</p>
<p>I disagree. The application files are viewed in their entirety and judged as a package. It is entirely possible (though rather unlikely) that a component of your application could outweigh your low GPA. </p>
<p>That said, I am inclined to agree with jcy2009 when s/he said it will not be easy for you to successfully apply to top schools. Though there are probably (if not definitely) mitigating circumstances that explain your GPA, a 3.4 with a 32 ACT tells admissions officers that you chose not to perform at an academic level befitting someone of your intellect.</p>
<p>Ya. I was thinking the same. So, I should, if there is a chance, write about it in an essay and hope that they see good reason to such an unbalance? What other areas in my application can outweigh my low GPA?</p>
<p>You bring up an interesting point. Do not try and snow them by making excuses unless they are absolutely legitimate. (Likewise, you draw undue attention to your GPA by addressing it in the essay.) If you are going to address it, tread lightly and be mindful not to sound like a victim or endless fountain of excuses.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, I have to recant my statement regarding application components outweighing your GPA. Your GPA is ostensibly the embodiment of your entire high school career. It represents, to colleges, your ability to work in an academic environment and reflects upon your work ethic. For Ivies and the like, it would take an achievement of enormous magnitude to mitigate your 3.4.</p>
<p>Ah. I see. Well, I don't plan on applying to any Ivies but maybe Cornell in consideration because I maybe can pull some strings, but I did have some top 30 colleges in mind. Should I just not consider them at all?</p>
<p>Don't knock them out. The worst they can do is reject you, and despite your 'low' gpa you still have a shot.</p>
<p>Precisely. Shoot for the moon and perhaps land on a star?</p>
<p>Hmmm. Ya. Well hopefully I can wow them with my essays or something.</p>