Importance of Class Rank vs. GPA vs. SAT

Applying to College
1

<p>I know that most colleges will weigh your GPA the most, comparing that with class rank to check for inflation/deflation and then glance over the SAT. But can anyone tell me how having low on one/better on another will offset regular chances?</p>

<p>Class Rank: 128/302
GPA. 89.71, Massive upward trend
SAT: 740M, 630R, 690W
SAT II: 770 US HIST
AP US History Jr year (5)</p>

<p>AP CHEM
AP CALC AB
AP GOV
AP MACRO</p>

<p>All senior year.</p>

<p>What will admissions counselors think when they see these stats? I have quite a bit of an upward trend, from 83% in 8th grade HS classes to 92% Junior year.</p>

<p>Should I attempt to explain this in my essay?</p>

<p>Would my poor gpa and class rank kill my chances at a good college? I know I can make most state universities without a problem, but what about some more selective, smaller, private places?</p>

<p>Ex. Rensselaer (ED)</p>

2

<p>Look at the Common Data Set, section C7, for the schools which you are interested in attending. Here is RPIs: <a href=“http://provost.rpi.edu/sites/default/files/CDS_2011-2012%20April%2016.pdf[/url]”>http://provost.rpi.edu/sites/default/files/CDS_2011-2012%20April%2016.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

3

<p>according to their CDS, 94% of matriculants were in the top quartile of their HS class.</p>

<p>Let your GC explain how you’ve grown academically, and are now a shining star.</p>

<p>ED will be a big plus, as long as you don’t need to compare fin aid.</p>