<p>say a student has a 3.2-3.4 uw gpa, all honors/aps(11 APs by the end of senior[4 aps this year and 3 hnrs this year]), perfect scores on physics/chem and math 2 subject tests and a 740 on bio and somehow pulls a 2400 on the SAT.</p>
<p>based on this academic performance, where would you rec such a student to apply to?</p>
<p>HARVARD</p>
<p>10char</p>
<p>I would recommend that that student drag himself down to the guidance office with his exam scores in his hands and ask about screening for inattentive ADD and/or help with improving his study skills. Clearly he has good brains, and can focus on things that interest him. However he may have issues with doing day-to-day homework in a timely fashion, and getting that homework turned in on time. </p>
<p>While he is huddling with the counselor, he needs to find out where students with that kind of GPA and exam score get admitted from his high school. That is another thing that the counselor should know.</p>
<p>Just go to a school you want to actually study at. Dont go to a school just for its prestige.</p>
<p>Actually, many top schools would be unimpressed. First, a number of top schools get many applications from people with 2400 SATs so, while that score is certainly impressive–it is not unique or even all that unusual for their applicant pool. They frequently do not accept students who scored perfectly on the SAT’s.</p>
<p>Second–that score, when compared to your high school records, shouts out: underperformer! And, generally, that’s not a good thing. You might be able to explain it away in your essay or recommendations but good schools generally would prefer to take an overachiever than an underachiever. </p>
<p>If you really want to get into a top school–you might consider doing a PG year at a top prep school and working your tail off. Get some top grades and you will be all set.</p>
<p>lol. I haven’t received a score of 2400 yet. its my goal for now.I took two practice last night and somehow got 22xx on both. I think if I work hard I can get it.</p>
<p>what is a PG year?</p>
<p>A PG year is a post-graduate year. A lot of fancy prep schools admit high-school graduates for one year to strengthen their academic credentials before college, and to improve their overall college-readiness.</p>
<p>how do colleges view a pg year? i actually might consider this.</p>
<p>Well, my cousin’s daughter is just finishing a PG year. She’ll be at Amherst in the fall.</p>
<p>Matthew Fox (“Lost”'s Jack Shepard) did PG at Deerfield and then went to Columbia.</p>
<p>Many student athlete’s do PG.</p>
<p>If you are serious about PG, look into Prep schools IMMEDIATELY. The Prep schools have some early application deadlines, all that I know of require personal interviews and all require standardized testing. The Prep section of this forum is very helpful. Just be aware, the slots are very limited for PGs. If you are the Ivy or bust type, PG is for you. If you are satisfied with a lower tier college than you may find the PG app processor isn’t worth it.</p>
<p>how about if i wish to apply for NYU/CMU/Duke? or some med programs?
i would love to have a chance at ivy leg’s and i know i did horrible throughout high school mainly cause of moving into a new school district and all these ‘social stresses’, that i ‘forgot’ to focus on my education up until January.</p>
<p>i was looking at some PG schools but i really cannot tell what is best for me. i am looking for a school that is very science and math based. this year i am taking ap chem and precalc hnrs and senior year i will be taking bc calc with physics c.
what are some schools you rec me for that will def. increase my chances of going to ivy l?</p>
<p>I think UChicago would be willing to consider such a candidate if he or she were deemed a personal fit for the school, and some liberal arts colleges like Oberlin, Reed and Carleton would also be likely to take a longer look at his or her application if it was otherwise appealing to them. Schools like Columbia, Duke, Princeton and Cornell are extremely unlikely to ever consider an unhooked applicant with such a low GPA.</p>
<p>A great transcript makes up for subpar test scores, but not vice-versa.</p>
<p>^ It depends on the school; they’re NOT all alike. Reed, e.g., is well known for taking some with high test scores and low GPA.</p>
<p>do you guus mean to say that even after a PG year they might not look at me as a good candidate?</p>
<p>Um. Of course they might not. They probably won’t, actually.</p>
<p>ouch. so its better to apply with what i have. btw i havent posted my ECs.</p>
<p>A well-spent PG year would definitely help your case, but it wouldn’t magically erase your transcript.</p>