<p>Curious: Is it worth it to apply to Yale with a ~3.6 GPA? I ask, because I am trying to determine wether I should apply to Yale. I like the school, but I also realize thats it very selective. With that in mind, I’m trying to narrow down my choices.
Basic Info About Me:
3.6 GPA from top30 hs
2300+ SAT
Mediocre AP scores but also AP Scholar with Distinction
EC’s are great. </p>
<h2>Grades aren’t so hot, I did well for the most part, but there is a C or two (junior year) making my GPA trend downward slightly. </h2>
<p>So, would it be worth it for me to Apply to Yale?</p>
<p>I would say you have to have some outstanding EC’s or other hooks. My son had a 4.0 UW GPA and a 35 ACT and was waitlisted (he was chosen off the waitlist and is attending this fall).</p>
<p>yeah sure!!! it will only cost you 75 bucks and a couple hours more of your time!!! your not losing anything so go for it… they might like you!!! and if not, too bad for them!</p>
<p>If you go to one of the best high schools in the nation, your class rank is really what matters. If you sit in the top 10%, then you have a great chance. Remember, GPA is relative to the school you attend because a kid with a 4.0 GPA but not in the top 10% isn’t going to have as good a chance as someone with a 3.9 who is in the top 10%. A lot of top schools also have grade deflation, so a 3.6 is often extremely commendable if that’s one of the top GPAs in your class.</p>
<p>Unless you have something else remarkable on your resume, or some significant hook (like being a recruitable athlete), it’s a very long shot. There’s nothing wrong with having some long shot reach schools on your list, but make sure that you have a reasonable list with matches and safeties, and that you put adequate time in all the applications.</p>
<p>When did I say an unweighted GPA of 4.0? Don’t assume things. A lot of top schools deflate student’s grades, so a 3.9 weighted at a more competitive school may put the student in the top 10%, while a 4.0 at a huge public high school with serious grade inflation may not.</p>
Since your post came right after mine I thought you were referring to my son’s GPA which I did specify as UW. It’s because of grade inflation that most schools look more at unweighted GPA’s. My point still stands that the OP better have some outstanding reason for Yale to consider him/her. If you think ranking is important, for reference, my son was ranked 2 out of 200.</p>
<p>There’s no denying that your son is academically gifted enough to attend Yale (he got in after all), but what matters to the OP right now is any instances of people with relatively low GPAs (like his) getting in to Yale. Your initial statement was right-- he’s going to need some killer ECs to get in, but I brought up grade deflation simply because he claims to attend one of the best schools in the nation, so competition might be high, and the overall GPAs slightly lower.</p>
<p>^Depressing. ^^Thanks. Alright well, I think my EC’s are pretty impressive. School does not rank. But using the stuff that the schools hands out, (assuming they look at that) you could guess that i’d in top 30% which is pretty darn low, but :(. Still would appreciate advice or other college recommendations.</p>