High school junior with a 3.3uw/3.5w GPA. Low GPA due to AP classes. Plenty of ec’s. Planning to do business summer programs. I want to apply to top 15 undergraduate business schools. What’re my chances and what SAT score will solidify my chances?
Being in AP classes won’t make up for a low GPA unless the difference is between a 3.7 and 4.0, especially since your weighted GPA doesn’t make up for your unweighted. Your SAT score won’t solidify your chances if your GPA is weak – you could score perfectly and then colleges would wonder why you didn’t try in school.
For now, I would try to focus on your schoolwork and do your best to get your GPA up to about a 3.5 UW, if that is possible. Take the SAT and try your best, but you really need to focus on grades for now. Doing a summer business program could help, but I don’t see it making a huge difference.
The top 15 undergrad business schools are, in my opinion, unlikely for you. I would look at top 40, but ranking doesn’t matter. Compare the stats you gave us to those schools’ average scores, and see what your chances are from there – you can find out everything you’re looking for by going online since you didn’t provide much information.
Why business?
You don’t need to study business to work in a business
So you could aim for a top 40 university and not study business. (Although with a GPA below 3.7 and extraordinary ec’s they’re either reaches or out of reach. )
Or you can attend a good LAC that appreciates course rigor and has an agreement with Harvard Business school.
Or prepare a commerce degree at Denison.
Or look at Canada where 11-12th grade counts more and test scores matter a lot. (They require calculus as a pre-req.)
Or you can try your chance at your flagship, or try good business schools that will value a 3.5/1450 sat such as Miami Farmer or Temple Fox.
With a 3.5/1400 you have a decent shot at Penn State dus, from which you complete your pre-reqs for Smeal. (Smeal direct admit has a 11% acceptance rate, so don’t try it. Basically everyone needs to do dus and pretty reqs anyway so there’s no downside.)
You may do the same for Indiana Kelley.