<p>I just got my ACT scores in this morning, 31 composite ( 35 math 30 reading 28 english 29 Science)
Unlike others, I have a very low GPA (3.5 unweighted). I've checked the colleges that I want to go to and many of them accepted students with SAT scores range from 1700 to 1900 (ACT 26-29) and 3.8+ GPA. but people with high SAT/ACT scores and low GPA (my case) tend to get rejected or waitlisted.</p>
<p>thats not a good news for me, how can colleges turn down people with high SAT scores but low GPA?
In my opinion the standardized tests score should be more convincing as to whether the student will excel in college or not than GPA, since GPAs are generally inflated in many schools , that was not an excuse for my poor GPA, I'm just wondering.</p>
<p>btw I really want to go to UMichigan's school of Engineer, I have taken 2 SATs already and planning to take a third one next month ( highest score so far is 1900, i'm confident to score above 2050 on the next one or even 2100) my ACT is 31 composite, current GPA is 3.4 ( will be higher after my first senior semester) taking the SAT subject Math II next month as well, it will be 750+. By the way, my curriculum is fuked up, I have only taken two AP tests so far( 5, and a 3) classes taken in high school were not challenging at all, all due to my low GPA because my school only lets people with 3.8+ GPA take AP classes.
How should I persuade UMichigan to accept me while I have a low GPA? if the key is the essay, how should I write it?</p>
<p>Thank you for finish reading my post, any advice would be much appreciated!</p>
<p>Well one reason a college might not look favorably on a student with a low GPA but high test score is this:</p>
<p>The kid’s exceptionally smart but doesn’t make much of an effort in school. If his test scores are indicative of his intelligence it should be easier for him to get good grades than it is for other students - yet he didn’t.</p>
<p>Also, a test score reflects 3-4 hours of your work, GPA represents 4 years worth.</p>
<p>GPA itself has little meaning. The school would look at your course rigor and school profile to determine whether your GPA is good enough or not. However, your GPA and test scores are both not in your favor for UMich CoE. It would be a reach for you if you are from OOS even if they recalculate your GPA for your advantage. Your score is at the 25th percentile while the admission rate is likely below 20% this year.</p>
<p>Keep in mind, high GPA should mean high class rank with maximum course difficulty.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, at most public schools, GPA/ACT >>>> Essays/other qualities. They simply have way too many applications and not enough staff. Spend about 2-3 min per application. And the numbers are really going to stick out. </p>
<p>@puzzled123 @billcsho @dk2015 I kind of yolo’d my junior year, I just want to know if there’s any way I can make up for that? maybe a good essay?</p>
<p>A good essay, good test scores and good EC’s, you just have to try and improve all the other points of your application to make your weaker side seem like it isn’t that big of a deal</p>