Low SAT w/ High GPA *VS.* High SAT w/ Low GPA

A 3.7 UW at a challenging private school, with a lot of rigor and an upward trend, where you are top 10-15% (even if school does not rank, you can estimate) is different than a 3.7 UW at a less competitive school with grade inflation where you are say not in the top 20% (you mentioned you have rigor and upward trend). The former should not hold you back given your test scores, assuming you have great ECs, essays, and rec letters. Our kid’s school says that standardized test scores count less than parents assume but more than colleges will admit. It’s all part of the package and you cannot separate the two. True that course rigor and grades are the most important factors, but low standardized tests might lead colleges to question how challenging the high school is.

I know of unhooked kids at a highly competitive private school who each have several Bs who got in last month to top 20 schools ED. It depends on other factors such as geography, your likely major, essays, rec letters, who else is applying from your school, and demonstrated interest. Will a 3.7 hold you back at H, Y, P, S, and M? Most likely yes, but not necessarily for other schools say in the 15-25 range.