I am a rising senior and I am very much interested in University of Wisconsin Madison. I am from out of state, my weighted GPA is a 3.91 and unweighted is a 3.50(out of 4). My Freshman GPA was very poor with all Bs in advance level classes, sophomore was slightly better with all advanced level classes and my junior GPA was perfect with mostly advanced level classes. I am very nervous my freshman and sophomore GPA have ruined my chances for most schools, including Wisconsin. My course load has been rigorous throughout my time in high school. I got a 29 composite on the ACT, and my section break down (for my best score received on any test) is english 30 math 28 reading 33 science 27. I hope to get a 30 composite on my next test. My extracurriculars include key club, student council, and human rights club. I also started a certified nonprofit organization, as well as had a job since freshman year. My high school does not do class rank. How do my chances look? I know that my GPA is defiantly below average for Wisconsin, but if i write a good essay will my chances be okay?
It’s a bit of a stretch but I could see you getting in. Low reach? High match?
You have a decent chance, probably right in the middle of the applicant pool. Your GPA isn’t as bad as you think. I’m gonna be a senior too, and I got around a 3.9 Weighted my first 4 semesters of high school, and a 3.68 UW during both semesters sophomore year. This year, I got a 4.283 1st sem. and 4.45 2nd sem, and 3.95 UW both semesters. The upward trend looks really good for people like you and me, especially since junior year is the most important. Your ECs are okay, hopefully you are really involved in the 3 things you mentioned. If you get a 30 or above don’t worry about the ACT anymore, that’s basically all you need. What other schools are you applying to?