I applied for CBS as first choice and CLA as second choice. My ACT was a 30 and GPA was a 3.5. I took lots of AP classes and did PSEO. Anyone know why they would defer?
@emmajohnson642 CBS is considered the second hardest college at the UofM and your GPA (whether 3.5 weighted or unweighted) is a little on the low side for CBS but certainly not CLA (which is why you were admitted to your second choice). CBS admits, on average, the top 9% of the admit’s class: Link below -
(https://admissions.tc.umn.edu/academics/profile.html)
and they generally score between 29-33 on their ACT. Now, this is only 50% of the people who are admitted. Yes, some are lower and some are higher, but it gives a general idea of what to expect. You did have AP classes and took PSEO but there could be more to the story ie: extracurriculars, your essays, school rigor, and what AP classes you took. AP Bio and AP Chem, for example, would be seen more favorably than AP Psych as it is seen as an easier course and also, AP Bio and AP Chem would be a part of the curriculum you would be taking (as a freshman). Now don’t think that taking psych or an easier AP is bad, every AP class has it’s challenges and they see that as you taking a risk and showing you are willing to take a harder class that is offered to you - which is good!
HOWEVER, do not be too worried. A couple people I know were admitted to CLA first before CBS, although it did take time for their application to be re-reviewed before they were accepted to CBS. UMN this year is looking more at classes and GPA than standardized tests scores. So yes, a 30 is a great score, but they also want to see how you perform in the classroom over 3 years.
May I ask what sorts of extracurriculars you are/were involved in, if your GPA is weighted/unweighted, and if you are in state or out of state?
I hope this helps and I apologize for the long response but don’t be discouraged by the defer! If you have any more questions feel free to ask!
Best of luck!
Thanks for your help! I actually got deferred from both colleges, CLA and CBS.
For extracurriculars I had volunteering, NHS, XC, Nordic ski team. My GPA weighted is a 3.6 and unweighted is a 3.5. I’m in state.
Thanks again so much!
Thanks for your help! I actually got deferred from both colleges, CLA and CBS.
For extracurriculars I had volunteering, NHS, XC, Nordic ski team. My GPA weighted is a 3.6 and unweighted is a 3.5. I’m in state.
Thanks again so much!
@emmajohnson642 Odd that you were deferred from CLA, you are definitely right in the ballpark for GPA and well above the ACT range. I wouldn’t worry too much on CLA, you should get in. CBS still might be a reach. But, we never know! Your EC’s are good too!
Best of luck!
@emmajohnson642 this is just speculation but:
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When the GPA is something like a 3.5 uw they are probably going to be taking a good look at what’s behind it. For instance, someone who had a tough freshman year but whose GPA has been stellar since and/or improving despite a tougher course load is quite different from someone whose grades have been a bit worse each passing year as the work gets tougher. Lots of AP’s and PSEO won’t help if the grade is a C or lower, unfortunately; A’s and B’s will be viewed more favorably.
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They are also looking at what you want out of an education at UMN (as provided in your brief explanation of major). If they don’t think you’d be happy with second choice, there’s no reason to accept you to it quite yet. You might be able to change their mind on this by asking just to be considered for CLA and sending in an explanation of why that’s a good idea for you, and/or perhaps letting them know - through your counselor as well - that if accepted you would attend UMN, even in CLA.
Hey JB I was deferred and UMN is my top choice should I send an email to admissions counselor with a short explanation of my improving grades from first semester and other achievements? I can post stats too if that would help.
You should update your SRAR report with the new grades. That might help. Definitely send the information along to your counselor as well. You could let him or her know that University of Minnesota is your top choice and if accepted you will attend.
Thanks I think I will send the email Monday… I applied to CLA for computer science because I knew my stats were a lil low for CSE my stats are
ACT-28
SAT-1330
My GPA went up from straight A’s first half
Weighted 3.83-3.92
UW 3.38-3.46
I have lots of sports EC and some free tutoring within my high school and decent community service.
What do you think?
OOS also
@zminnesota - hard to know. The GPA might be a tad low but it’s hard just to look at a GPP - Admissions will look for overall academic record, course rigor, etc. Your ACT seems fine. EC’s are not considered primary factors for admission but may help push someone over the finish line. Being OOS won’t hurt you, esp. this year since they want more OOS’ers to apply.