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Duke University
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UCLA
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Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Can a low GPA be compensated for by high test scores?

Hi everyone, I'm a bit worried because I have a lower GPA than I'd like, but my test scores are pretty solid. Will colleges overlook my GPA if my test scores are high, or should I focus on improving my GPA during my remaining time in high school? Thanks for the help!

a year ago

Hello! It's natural to be concerned about your academic standing when it comes to college admissions. While it's true that colleges do look at both your GPA and test scores, it's important to remember that they evaluate applicants holistically. So, even if your GPA is lower than you'd like, your high test scores will certainly help your application.

However, it's still crucial to work on improving your GPA in your remaining time at high school since it tends to carry more weight than test scores alone. Don't let this discourage you, as admissions officers also consider other factors, such as extracurricular activities, personal essays, and letters of recommendation.

I recommend checking out this CollegeVine blog post on how test scores and GPA impact college admissions for more insights: How Much Do Test Scores and GPA Matter in College Admissions?. Keep working hard and remember that there's always more to an applicant than just GPA and test scores. Best of luck!

a year ago

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CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.