What schools look at good EC's? Low GPA/test scores

Chance Me / Match Me!
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<p>OK, my GPA and test scores are low.</p>

<p>GPA: 3.64/4.0 Unweighted. Top 20% in class unweighted. Top 5-10% weighted (counselor's writing this in his rec since we don't weight).</p>

<p>ACT: 27, Writing: 8</p>

<p>Counselor and one of my teacher recs talk about how I've been one of their best and most motivated students in their career. The other teacher rec isn't one of those "best in career" ones, but it's still good (teacher chooses favorites & likes me lol).</p>

<p>Essay is the best I've written in my life. Everyone that's read it says it's really good. They graded it 100/100.</p>

<p>EC's: Programming since 3rd grade. MMORPG game designer, security software engineer, sole proprietor of small software company, owner of several sites (including administrator of a 4000+ member site). Break dance club president and founder, art honors society president. I'm very good at break dancing and I will be submitting supplementary pictures of seemingly physically impossible moves/stunts. All EC's have top leadership positions (president, administrator, founder, etc.).</p>

<p>Resume: I know 10+ programming languages and I'm familiar with models such as DHTML, .NET, etc. I'm strong in many areas of computers: web design (W3 standards/XHTML/CSS, SEO, etc.), game design (multiplayer theory/design, networking, AI, etc.), application design, security (network security, file security, designed my own encryption algorithm), etc.</p>

<p>I've also done freelance programming for 200+ hours or so but I'm not sure if this qualifies as a job?</p>

<p>I'm not sure if I should submit a resume though since I read a book (A is for Admission) that advises against it. I think a resume would help display my strengths a lot more than the 6 lines on the application will.</p>

<p>Majoring in business despite computer background. My sole proprietorship does not make a lot of money and I want to learn marketing or e-commerce to maximize profits. I have state safety schools, but I hate them. Visited the campuses, didn't like them.</p>

<p>I would like some recommendations and chances for business schools. Also, should I go the computer science route instead? I know some schools like Cornell reject applicants if they are applying for major x if they're stronger in major y. I DO have a valid reason for majoring in business though, but I think I would be much more likely to get into the CS field.</p>

<p>I am also looking for schools that teach you well but are not out to fail you (I hear Cornell and UC Berkeley students struggle to get a good GPA). The reason is NOT because I am lazy, but because I want to devote time to my EC's even in college. I've had to cut the amount of time I've had for EC's in high school due to the rigor of my courses.</p>

<p>EDIT: One more thing: If I'm applying to the honors program at my state school, do they consider EC's more? State U's honors program admits only ~300 students I think.</p>

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<p>Well apparently my GPA and test scores are too low for Wharton ED according to just about...everyone. The other schools I WANT to go to are Cornell and NYU Stern, but apparently my stats are too low.</p>

<p>So given that my stats are low, I want to know more about colleges that look more toward EC's or at least don't give GPA/test scores as much weight given that I have dedicated so much time to my EC's. I hear Brown considers EC's and don't just throw your app out the window once they see low test scores/GPA, but I also hear that Brown rejects tons of valedictorians. Brown also doesn't even offer business, so I don't think I'll be applying there.</p>

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<p>your GPA is definently not "low"...ok, so UW its not a 4.0, who cares...your ACT is definently not "low" either...apply to wherever, and although Ivies might be a high reach, i'd say NYU and such are not out of the picture...especially with your good ECs
my advice? apply to wherever you would want to go, you're stats are pretty good actually, especially if you apply in-state places (what state are you in?)</p>

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<p>also, take the SAT....and send your resume, just dont make it more than two pages (cut out the random stuff that doesnt make you stand out, or atleast cut them down to one line so you have room to explain your programming abilities and leadership posistions)
also, you might want to consider a CS major, but maybe go for a MBA for grad school...mention this somewhere, and WHY you want to business, and heck, they might see you actually have goals in life...big admission plus i've heard</p>

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<p>Thanks shoebox. That was very helpful. Anyone else?</p>

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<p>Have you looked at Bentley College? Small business college that is growing in popularity.</p>

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<p>well my advice is first take act over again. if u can do a composite of around 30, for nyu u should be good (if possible go undeclared.) however, play the game. you have a serious backaround in computer science/technology so apply under that major. when colleges see that they will see ur passion/knowledge and accept u and once u get in just switch to a business major. wharton is not even a reach, its asking to raise the dead. Try carnegie mellon's tepper (comp sci if they have it, undeclared if no) same with NYU and try a school called Pepperdine Univ.</p>

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<p>What do you mean "its asking to raise the dead?" Do I have no chance at Wharton? I applied ED.</p>

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<p>Wharton is the cream of the crop for undergrad business schools. its basically a given that u have a 4.0 unweighted, 2300 or 34 on act and above, and you have some serious affiliation to business i.e. u had internships for business oriented companies stuff like that. what im telling u to do is apply to schools as a comp sci major because ur EXC support that, and once schools accept u then u can switch to a business major. I dont think wharton is realistic.</p>

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<p>i think your best bet is apply CS, get into somewhere like NYU, then if you really dont like it, its probably a million times easier to switch over to business at some point rather than transfering or doing a major you dont like...but if you're good at programming, it might be a major to persue, and get a MBA at grad school, and im sure those two degrees could do you well in life (start your own design business, run a programming company, work for a fortune-500 technical/internet/computer company but be a manager, ect)</p>

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<p>From what I remember from the Carnegie app (and a lot of other school apps at that) is that they require you to declare your major on the app. Maybe I'm looking at it wrong.</p>

<p>Anyhow, I really only want to get into Wharton. I read they don't care if you come from a business background, they just want people they can mold into business leaders (I applied since I had several leadership positions). Other schools I'm looking at include Carnegie, NYU Stern, Cornell, Notre Dame. Maybe UC Berkeley and MIT Sloan but I honestly don't think I have a chance at those schools since they are so largely based on stats. I guess realistically (match/slight reaches) I can only get into Carnegie, NYU, and Notre Dame...and maybe Cornell if I get lucky. Do I have a chance at Cornell? The thing is, I don't even like most of those schools (except maybe Carnegie) and I would probably rather go to my state U if I don't get into Penn =&lt;/p>

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<p>good luck.</p>

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<p>Since you guys suggest I major in CS, do you have any recommendations for schools I should attend?</p>

<p>I'm applying to Carnegie, NYU, Notre Dame, and Cornell for business so that's off the list; although, I know Carnegie has a strong CS program. I would like a list of match/reach schools for CS. Thanks guys!</p>

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<p>Ultimately, the transcript is the most important document in your file. With a 3.64 unweighted, I feel you are aiming a bit too high. Applying to 1-2 reach schools is fine, but with your current stats I think Carnegie, NYU, Notre Dame, and Cornell would be slight reaches.</p>

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<p>I say that you still have a shot at Wharton, depending on your math score and the quality of your essays. Your strength lies in your focus (CS) and practical application of your knowledge (software company, programming, etc.). Wharton admissions still remains a mystery to me, but these certainly seem like qualities favorable to a business school. Best of luck, EISD! Don't let the other posts get you down.</p>

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<p>P.S. You might want to include info about the depth of your CS involvement because a lot of the stuff you listed (e.g. "designed my own encryption algorithm") might not fit into the standard application form. You can add info through a BRIEF curriculum vitae. I believe the common app also asks you to write a short essay about your most meaningful activity.</p>

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<p>Thanks chaotic! Unfortunately, I already applied to Wharton ED :(. I'll take your tip for the other schools though.</p>

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<p>Make sure your SAT subject tests match the requirements for Business or CS, whichever you apply to.</p>

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<p>i would say that u have a very slim chance for wharton ED. considering that ECs are only "considered" in the application process, ur grades and scores still carry the bulk of the app. ur ECs are great, if not outstanding, showing committment in CS. however, the gpa and scores will be significantly detrimental to ur chances of admission to wharton</p>