<p>My SAT score is greater than 2300, I am a National AP Scholar, and I have heavy extracurricular involvement including leadership positions in multiple organizations. I’ve done research in Cellular/Molecular Biology for three summers. I am passionate about my every hobby, and I like to think of myself as a polymath. I am no genius, but I am well versed in many areas ranging from music and photography to physics and programming. </p>
<p>All of that is well and good, but here’s the catch: my unweighted GPA is less than 3.0, and my weighted GPA is less than 3.5. Oh, and none of that increasing trend business. If anything, I have a decreasing trend. </p>
<p>My school? Extremely “competitive”, but only since I live in an affluent area and teachers toss out As. More than 10% of my class is 4.0s, if that is any indicator of what I mean. I am not unmotivated academically. I just never really came to value grades, and I help my peers in the very courses I fail. My AP scores contrast directly with my grades: I had a C in AP Physics C: Mech with a score of 5. I had a D in AP Lang and World History with 5s in each. Those compose a limited subset of what I have under my belt. In addition to APs, I am currently enrolled in math classes beyond Calculus at UMD.</p>
<p>Regardless of the justification behind my discrepancy, I am looking for schools where I might have a chance of acceptance. I am not a big fan of LACs, and I am looking for a mid-large size school. My current academic interests lie in the fields of Math and Physics, but I’d like engineering options to be open to me. Also, while I sincerely respect UMD, I do need change and would prefer to go out of state to an equivalent or better school. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>Here are some thoughts the adcoms may view your status: great potential, terrific test-taker, but poor at ___________ (you name it: organization, social skills to get along w/ teachers, motivation, etc.) Now don’t get me wrong: I’m not saying you’re any of those, but the question still looms large. Why are your grades so poor?</p>
<p>Many state schools (like Penn State) have been known to accept based only on your SAT scores so you have a good shot at any number of them. But you’ll be less successful when the college claims to look at the “applicant’s whole picture”, like many ivies and LACs. The bigger the school, the better your chances.</p>
<p>I have heard Caltech, though heavily stats-oriented (more leaning towards test scores really, which is your strength), will look at people who are “discrepancies”, for example those who show exceptional promise in the math and sciences though they have noticeable weaknesses elsewhere on their application. </p>
<p>UChicago might overlook grades if you’re strong everywhere else and write darn good essays. </p>
<p>Northwestern seems to be a bit test-oriented also, from personal observation.</p>
<p>Large publics…and possibly a private like Tulane…check out the 3.0-3.3 thread in the parents forum; a couple of those kids have low GPA’s and high SAT/ACT’s</p>
<p>@limabeans: I understand, and that’s the angle I’m playing against in my justification essays. I highlight the discrepancy and point out why none of those factors apply to me with contradictions from my activities and experiences. I never really justify my grades, because I’m not sure I can. Lazy is the easy description, but it certainly isn’t accurate. Some adversity would be nice, but it’d be a lie. I don’t see any other way to play my situation.</p>
<p>But wouldn’t a college that does have a more thorough look at the ‘whole picture’ see a better person? I even fear for UMD, acknowledging how easy it is to reject everyone below an arbitrary GPA in such a large applicant pool. Schools that claim to read my entire application comfort me, because I know my essays can impact my case, even in the slightest. </p>
<p>@schrizto: Caltech seems like a stretch with its focus on statistics and its limited class size. I have considered Caltech, but it seems too small and too math/science oriented for my taste. MIT (EA reject) has always been my top choice if that clues you into the environment (read: quirky) I’m looking for. I would love to be at Northwestern/UChicago, and they’re already on my list. I’m glad I have some chance.</p>
<p>@rodney: It’s really hard to sort through all the colleges mentioned in that thread. In the end, I’m really not looking for a low profile/small school, or anywhere that isn’t as academically strong and diverse as UMD. I just want reasonable alternatives both on the tips of my fingernails and in the grasp of my palm. </p>
<p>I’m not sure if any of the latter exist, but recommendations are very appreciated. I’d love to get clammy with a school :)</p>
I’m glad I have some chance.</p>