Can my ACT score offset my Gpa.

Chance Me / Match Me
1

I’m a rinsing senior and I have questions regarding my chance to get into college (Don’t worry this isn’t a chance me post). A couple weeks ago I received my cumulative gpa of 2.7. However, I have had an upward trend during my high school experience. Freshman-2.4 sophmore 2.6 and junior 3.2. I took the ACT and received a 31 on it. I am also a first generation student.

My question is: are my chances for getting into a mid tier school for example: Fordham, Rutgers, Penn state, etc. tarnished because of my cumalitive gpa or would you say I have a good shot because of my test scores and my small first generation hook? I would like to hear what people think. I’m aware schools differ so don’t take the examples above as a chance me.

Thank you for your response.

2

Why do you have that GPA? Do you consistently do well in certain classes, and poorly in others, or do you pull a B across the board?

Have you done anything in particular to move your GPA upwards, or has that just happened without specific intention on your part?

Have you consistently scored higher on standardized tests than would be predicted by your classroom grades?

What advice has your own guidance counselor given you about your situation?

3

You need to look for colleges that match your academics, including your GPA. If your HS has Naviance that is a good tool to use. Generally strong standardized tests do not offset a subpar GPA.

4

Penn State considers GPA 2/3 of the decision. Main campus probably out of reach. Branches might be possible, though, for 2+2?

5

Some colleges may take into account grades from 1st semester of senior year. This happened to several of my son’s friends who applied to Michigan. An excellent Fall semester may reassure colleges that you have improved your self.

6

TooOld4School would the same apply if I was applying early to schools?

7

HappyMomof1
My gpa is like that because if I am good at a class which usually is math then I would pull off an A- or B+. If I am bad at a certain class which has been science and English then I would pull off a C or a B-. For most other classes it is usually a B or B-. My upwards gpa has been because I felt unprepared as a freshman and since then I have gotten smarter not in academics but it time management, essay writing, and critical thinking.

I usually score high in standerized tests.

I haven’t talked too much about my counselor but the one time I did he said keep the upward trend and I will be fine.

8

Excellent test scores, good grades in classes that interest you, and not good grades in classes that don’t interest you, can be an indicator for attention issues, and one way to sort out those issues is to work on your time management. So keep up the good work! But do have a chat with your counselor or the school psychologist about whether it is worth it to you to have a formal evaluation for attention issues. If you would be identified with ADD, then you would be able to get extra help next year from your school’s resource teachers so that you can find even better time management and organizational strategies. You are going to need those skill sets when you get to college.