Can I get into a good college with a low GPA but high SAT scores?

Hi collegevine, I'm a little bit stressed about my GPA. I'm a high school junior and I didn't do very well in my freshman and sophomore years. However, I recently took the SAT and scored really high. Do you think this could compensate for my low GPA, or should I be focusing on improving my grades during my junior and senior years? I'd appreciate any advice or suggestions!

Hey there! I can understand why you might be feeling stressed about your GPA. It's great that you scored high on the SAT, as it can definitely help balance out a lower GPA. However, it's important to keep working on improving your grades during your junior and senior years as well. Colleges look at your entire academic profile, including your GPA, test scores, and the rigor of your coursework. They also consider other factors like extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. Demonstrating an upward trend in your grades, as well as taking challenging courses, can show colleges that you're committed to your education and capable of handling college-level work. Additionally, it might be helpful to research colleges that place a stronger emphasis on test scores than GPA. Remember, stay focused on your academics and continue to explore extracurricular activities to build a well-rounded application. Best of luck!