Hi all. I’m a current senior in high school with a 2.95 GPA and a 27 ACT. My low gpa is because of a bad freshman year and an okay sophomore year, but this year and the last I’ve gotten all A’s and B’s, so I have a clear upward trend. I won a school wide competition called the “Word Wright Test” which basically means I scored the highest in the school on a reading and english test similar to the ACT. I’ve never taken an AP or Honors class because my school makes it extremely difficult for people who aren’t in the smart program to take these classes (not an excuse, I know.) I took a college film class for 3 college credits over the summer, and I’m taking another one right now. I got an A in the last one and I expect an A in this one.
I was wondering if I had any chance of getting into these schools or if I am just kidding myself.
Honestly you never really know what colleges will see in your application that stand out, I’d say that the odds are stacked against you but it’s not completely hopeless to just apply. If you could do interviews for these schools that would be great but otherwise I would just see what happens
They are reaches. If you have time, you could retake the ACT because a 27 is not good enough to make up for your poor grades. If you could get up to the 32-34 range, it could make up for your grades. You have a slightly better chance at Rutgers and Fordham, not a very good chance at BU.
I don’t mean to sound harsh, but if you were getting Cs and Ds in freshmen level, non-honors course, why are you pursuing such a difficult school as BU? College isn’t just about getting in, you have to be realistic for if you could succeed at that college’s level. If you’ve never taken an AP or honors class, you likely aren’t prepared for the level of academics at a college like BU.
If colleges like BU are your sincere goal, I’d recommend that you go to a community college for one or two years and then transfer.
Also you didn’t mention any extracurriculars. If you have no extracurriculars, you don’t have any chance at these schools. However, if you have strong extracurriculars, you have a greater chance, and if they were particularly strong you could definitely get in at Rugters and Fordham. Good luck!
I’m not too familiar with these universities but don’t let anything stop you from applying. I think in your personal statements you need to touch on why you did bad & what made you want to improve. Also explain why you couldn’t take honors or AP’s. It’ll only help you. Colleges like to see growth, your improvement will show them that you’re taking it seriously. It’ll be difficult but it’s always worth a shot.
I do EC’s. I have done theater since I was 11 at the same company outside of my school, we put on 3 shows a year and I’ve had significant parts in all of of them. Sophomore and freshman year I was a part of Filipino club but it was discontinued after that. I joined art club junior and senior year, and I am the vice president of Gaming club currently. I am also currently a part of Campus Ministry and I’ve done volunteer works with cats at an animal shelter near me for a few months. I’ve had 1 paying job so far and I joined my theater school’s theater as a crew member (head of props) this year. I am also a part of Breakfast Club, we just at cereal and watched John Hughes’ movies.
Don’t lose hope. I think you definitely have a chance at Rutgers and Fordham. BU might be harder but with a strong essay and good extracurriculars you should be fine.