theblues

I know it depends on the school, but in general, between test scores and GPAs which one has a bigger impact on your chances? For example, if one applicant got a 2400 on the SAT but a 3.3 GPA, and another got a 2000 but a 4.0 GPA, which one would the college choose (assuming that both were pretty much identical in all the other categories)?

T26E4

Many schools would gladly take either, and a handful would pass on both --- so your first sentence: "it depends on the school" is of paramount importance.

that's why students w/metrics as you've described should be very wise in crafting a list of target colleges.

theblues

@T26E4: thnx for your reply! I was wondering because I have a so-so GPA(3.5) and wanted to know if I can cover that up with a good SAT.

perazziman

You may have a better shot with a low GPA if you score above 700 in two SAT Subject Tests and also earn 5s on several (at least 3) AP Tests, in my opinion. High scores in subject and AP tests may suggest that you are a late bloomer. Combined with a high junior and senior gpa and rigor, combined with a high SAT score could lead an adcom to think you have mastered the subjecty content and have Aptitude and studying skills necessary to do well in college, even if your gpa is low.

A high SAT score alone suggests you have aptitude, but only mastered ~10th grade math and writing skills and says nothing about your time management and studying skills. (This is just my opinion as a parent. I am not an adcom or anything.)

blueiguana

You are correct in understanding that this is going to depend on the school. The Common Data Set for each university is going to tell you how much emphasis it places on both academic factors (GPA, scores, rank, rigor, etc.) and non academic factors (ECs, LORs, legacy, demonstrated interest, first-generation, etc.). You can find this by googling "name of school Common Data Set" making sure you are looking at the most up to date year (probably 2011-12). You are looking for information on First-time, first-year admission data.

If you have a lower GPA but an upward trend (i.e. 3.0 freshman year, but trending up to a 4.0 your senior year) you are going to fair a lot better then someone with the same GPA who has remained static all four years. What you face with a lower GPA and high scores is being labeled an 'under achiever'. An upward trend in grades can help put that into context, noting a rocky start but a bright and solid showing now and in the future. Also, if you have good EC's schools that use holistic admissions may work in your favor.

theblues

@perazziman: Thanks! I did well in the 2 SAT subject test I took, but unfortunately we don't have APs in the country I live in...

@blueiguana: damn never knew about the Common Data Set, thanks!

ucbalumnus

High GPA with low test scores is often an easier situation to remedy than low GPA with high test scores. The former student can study for the test and try again and/or try the "other" of the SAT and ACT, but the latter student (if already a senior in high school) can do little or nothing to raise the GPA.