So whenever I read through “chance me” forums (or post one of my own), I feel like the very first thing people look at is the OP’s GPA and test scores, causing the reader to filter everything else through those two numbers.
Here’s the thing: I do really well in school. I have a 3.96 UW GPA (literally only one B). I’m number 5 in a class of 328 people. I take the hardest classes. I do really well on AP tests. I’m president of many clubs, etc. However, whenever I post a “chance me” forum (and mind you, I want people chancing me for schools like USC, NYU, and Tulane), I feel like all of my stellar credentials are overshadowed by my ACT score (30) or my SAT score (1420).
So, does my GPA mean nothing if I don’t have “the score” to match? What’s really more important, GPA or standardized test scores? Help a desperate senior out over here.
It depends on the school and your ACT isn’t that bad. You can get an idea for what a school values by their common data sets and their avg GPA vs ACT score. Some will have higher ACT scores and lower GPAs which may indicate that they give more weight to test scores and vice versa.
if you think you can do much better than a 30 you could re-take as well.
Many schools will tell you they value GPA the most because it shows how you do over time. It is a measurement of sustained effort. However, test scores are the great equalizer – they allow schools to evaluate all applicants by a single measure, and you can see how this would be helpful. (Ignore test prep, etc. For now.)
There are schools that are test optional. And you can always try to improve your score. But at most places, they both matter because they both show something about your ability. Does that help?
GPA is more important, and your 1420 is good–you have a real shot at USC, NYU, and Tulane.
@marvin100 @gardenstategal @Lagging thank you all for the explanations and advice. It really makes me feel a lot better!! I am planning to re-take the SAT in October and take two more SAT II’s. Thanks!