Where do the kids with high SAT scores,mediocre GPA's,and competitve ec's go?

Applying to College
1

<p>To be specific: SAT= 2100-2250+, 3.6-3.8 gpa, competitive EC’s such as starting a humanitarian effort club, business, making a varsity sports team, etc?</p>

2

<p>3.8 is mediocre now?</p>

3

<p>OF COURSE NOT!
But in regards to higher institutions, it isn’t seen as “competitve” (well, at least from what I’ve heard, I sincerely hope they’re wrong)</p>

4

<p>I think 3.8+ is competitive provided you are taking a rigorous course load and are in the top 10%+ of your class. A 3.8/4 is a 95%</p>

5

<p>3.8 is definitely competitive at most colleges.</p>

6

<p>Really?
You’d be surprised by the comments that I’ve encountered in the “chance me threads” of “3.8 being on the lower end”. With that aside, what about a 3.7 gpa in the (quote un quote) “lower ivies” and other prestigious schools?</p>

7

<p>Are you looking for prestige or are you looking for a good school for YOU?<br>
That may or may not be the same thing. There are many great schools that would be happy to have you and offer scholarships. A school isn’t necessarily worthless just because other seventeen year olds have not heard of it or aren’t impressed by it.
I’m sure you can up with many good choices.
Good luck to you</p>

8

<p>If you are looking for prestige names, then if you come from an area overrepresented at top schools (Northeast and West coast) and are not a member of a preferred minority group, then 3.8 is on the lower end. They can find lots more just like you with better stats. However if your aim is a great college in terms of education and opportunities it will provide (and not just a name that will wow your friends), then you have lots of options.</p>

<p>You might want to read thru the free chapter of the book “Admission Matter” at [Admission</a> Matters](<a href=“http://www.admissionmatters.com/]Admission”>http://www.admissionmatters.com/) that addresses this. Actually the book as a whole is well worth reading.</p>

<p>As for lesser Ivies, or any Ivy for that matter, merely making a varsity team and some of the other things may not be as strong as you think. The question about impressive ECs comes up regularly on the forum. There is a thread with several posts by Northstarmom, a Ivy alum interviewer, about what constitutes impressive ECs from the point of view of the most selective colleges. The post is at <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/210497-those-ecs-weak-so-what-s-good.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/210497-those-ecs-weak-so-what-s-good.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

9

<p>State flagship.</p>

10

<p>Stay away from the chance me threads. They do far more harm than good. Their perpetuation on this forum is a travesty.</p>

11

<p>AP is right, find the school that’s best for you, and NEVER seek academic/admissions help from CC, people here will tear down your confidence .</p>

12

<p>Your stats look very competitive, so you **can **apply anywhere. The problem is that at the super selective schools, it doesn’t matter because the acceptance rate is less than 10%. Your great stats means your application stays in the lottery a little longer. You just need to be realistic about that, at the very top schools it is a total crap-shoot.</p>

<p>However, those stats can get you into to many other excellent schools with much better odds. Try putting them into a college search engine and see how many hundreds of schools you have a good shot at.</p>

<p>Re: asking admissions help here on CC:
1- this is the internet. everyone is anonymous. you have no idea whether someone answering your question is an experienced parent, a former guidance counselor, a bitter Ivy-reject, or depressed high school student.
2 - take advantage of knowledgeable people you do know - guidance counselors, teachers, and yes, sometimes your parents might know more than you think. They certainly know the details of what your family can afford to pay and unfortunately, that dictates the decision for many students.
3 - DO YOUR RESEARCH. This is your life, your future, you have the responsibility to do some HOMEWORK to find your own answers and to verify advice you get here.</p>

<p>“people here will tear down your confidence” - Most of what I have seen is that people try to give students a dose of reality. And mostly people seem very kind and gentle. I have seen very little “tearing down”. But kids who think that the 3.8 GPA and 2200 SAT means they **will **get into Harvard do need a reality check. It’s the sad truth.</p>

13

<p>

“lower ivies” and other prestigious schools – same there…</p>

14

<p>Is that GPA weighted or unweighted?</p>

15

<p>They usually end up at Tufts. ;)</p>

16

<p>BeanTownGirl is absolutely correct that what you can afford to pay will ultimately determine where you attend. Your stats are good enough to land significant merit-based aid. After you’ve had The Big Money Talk with your parents, and you know how much they are ready, willing, and able to chip in each year, and how much they expect you to cover out of your own savings, income, and student loans, you will know just how affordable your college/university will need to be. There is a lot of good information on that topic in the Financial Aid Forum. I’d suggest you spend some time there perusing the threads on merit-based and need-based aid.</p>

<p>Wishing you all the best!</p>

17

<p>Beantowngirl, you are totally correct. </p>

<p>People do tear down your confidence on CC, as you said, the internet is anonymous , whose to say the posters aren’t competing against you, inexperienced, or depressed? I’d suggest getting help from college counselors, or the college itself. CC is only good for getting ideas and suggestions; they shouldn’t be taken personal.</p>

18

<p>Thanks guys!</p>