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@clairestastny
0 answers, 2 votes
 • 2 years ago •
Admissions Advice
[edited]

Can I actually go to a nice liberal arts school with a 3.1?
Answered

I am really picky about the campus and want to go to a school with cool old buildings somewhere like oregon, washington, vermont, maine etc. Can I get in with a 3.14 as a sophomore? I have fairly good extracurriculars/ extra achievements, such as having earned honors in english, being a writer for my schools cutthroat yearbook, soloing in choir and theatre, being in advanced choir, on the JV team for ultimate frisbee, working a job, and lobbying for local politicians.

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3 answers

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Accepted Answer
@CameronBameron
2,266 answers, 8,567 votes
 • 2 years ago

Honestly, finding a West Coast liberal arts college with cool old buildings will be a challenge since most LACs were founded in the past 100 years. I think Reed College in Portland is 110 years old and Scripps college is like 95 years old.

You will find a dozens and dozens of choice on the East Coast, some that may accept a lower GPA like yours.

2
[🎤 AUTHOR]@clairestastny2 years ago

What are some that would you recommend?

@CameronBameron2 years ago

I would look into these schools: Franklin College, Wells College, Salem College, Westminster College (PA), Muhlenberg College, Allegheny College, Emmanuel College, Wittenberg College, and Hartwick College. Keep in mind that you are in tough spot because LACs are private colleges and only the Top ones have excellent financial aid. If you are on a budget and need financial aid to attend, you will be hard pressed to find an affordable LAC with your GPA. State college are always the cheapest option

0
@CalRoma
1 answer, 0 votes
 • 2 years ago

Some beautiful private liberal arts campuses on the West Coast to consider that might be a good fit for you: Univ of San Diego, St Mary’s, Dominican University, Univ of Puget Sound, Univ of San Francisco. All gorgeous campuses with wonderful academics, study abroad opportunities and small classes.

0
[🎤 AUTHOR]@clairestastny2 years ago [edited]

University of puget sound is one that really appeals to me. The only struggle is the cost. With my GPA currently at a 3.14, would I able to go there for any cheaper?

@CalRoma2 years ago

It would be worth contacting their admissions office directly. Explain the reason for any lower grades you’ve received, how you improved or recovered after that, tell them about any work or volunteer experiences or special interests you’ve got and why UPS would be a good fit. They are pretty wholistic in their admissions. Maybe take some community college courses this summer to show you can handle college academics…

@emmyolive2 years ago

None of these colleges would be a good fit, I would consider them a reach for all 5 mentioned since the avg. GPAs are the following: St.Mary's of CA 3.6, Dominican U. of Ca, 3.65, Univ. of SF, 3.57, Univ of San Diego, 3.95, Univ. of Puget Sound 3.56. With a 3.14, approx. 90% of admits will have a higher GPA, so re-consider these as reach options versus fit or target schools.

-1
@ShaneNiesen
expert
155 answers, 95 votes
 • 2 years ago

Hi @claires,

Assuming cost is not your main barrier, you can definitely find good liberal arts schools that you can get into with a 3.0 GPA. Keep in mind though that the schools on the West Coast are generally pretty new compared to their East Coast counterparts, so while you'll still find nice, collegiate buildings (like UCLA), the roots themselves may not be as deep.

I'd recommend using CollegeVine's Chancing Engine and School List Hub (link on the sidebar) to get more specific recommendations. It'll ask you a ton of details about your preferred campus type and school profile, then generate a list of recommendations that you have a chance of getting into. It'll even sort that list into safeties, targets, and reaches, so you can automatically have a balanced school list.

Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

-1
@CalRoma2 years ago

Some beautiful private liberal arts campuses on the West Coast to consider that might be a good fit for you: Univ of San Diego, St Mary’s, Dominican University, Univ of Puget Sound, Univ of San Francisco. All gorgeous campuses with wonderful academics, study abroad opportunities and small classes.

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