High SAT + Low GPA = Stigmata?

Test Preparation
1

<p>My son is a bright kid but a pretty lackluster student. As a HS junior this year he received 800 on both math and verbal SAT components (I forget the essay score), but his GPA is a 2.6X, as he has always had difficulty with organization, handling the run-of-the-mill schoolwork that adds up to GPA, etc. He’s always taken challenging classes (most honors) and he attends a nationally recognized public high school. He loves learning, and he’s not a troublemaker, just a real mess when it comes to getting his act together.</p>

<p>My question:</p>

<p>Will the high SAT score potentially backfire when admissions offices see the low GPA? Essentially, I wonder if his relatively poor performance in the daily grind of high school will stigmatize him as a “slacker with wasted potential.” </p>

<p>I suppose I’m asking this question as we enter his senior year and try to narrow the scope of schools to which he’ll apply.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance…</p>

2

<p>You mean stigma, not stigmata, right?</p>

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<p>LOL. Was using it colloquially, but not incorrectly. Check the definition. But thanks for the reply!</p>

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<p>Actually, stigmata is plural of stigma, so you’re right! Sorry.</p>

5

<p>That’s quite a difference between SAT and GPA numbers!</p>

<p>Your son may have difficulty getting admitted to selective colleges right now, I think. But if he starts out at a less selective school and works up to his potential, he could be an awesome transfer candidate in a year or two, and his good college grades would cancel out the weak high school grades and show that he has matured.</p>

<p>Maybe he should be thinking in terms of two different colleges – one for now and one for later.</p>

6

<p>Marian, that’s an excellent suggestion. Thanks so much. It will definitely be a point of discussion in the coming weeks.</p>