Low GPA but High Standardised test scores. What should I do?Answered
I have a very demanding extracurricular (badminton). I have represented my school and state in many competitions. Due to this, my scores dropped in 9th and 11th Grade. Is there anything that I can do about this?
Can my High SAT score (1450) compensate for it?
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5 answers
There are a couple of colleges where a high standardized test score can actually compensate for a low GPA, but such colleges will generally be safeties, with your chances of acceptance being >80%.
Not everyone has academic talents; some have their niche in sports (like you). It's completely okay. You don't need like a 3.5 but colleges do have reasonable minimum GPA requirements even for athletes. Do better in 12th grade to demonstrate that you're working hard to improve and not slacking.
Hope this helps!
For now, keep your grades as high as you can. Your SAT score isn't bad and might help, but you seem pretty serious about badminton - you could get a sports scholarship or something for it. Hope this helps!
P.S. - I love badminton.
There are many spots on college applications where you can explain drops in grades. You seem to be a dedicated student, so if you explain these discrepancies, I am sure you will be fine. Best of luck!
Hi! It is very common for grades to be low when you are a sports person. Understand that people will be evaluating your application and thus should be able to connect the dots. A high SAT score does not compensate for low grades. But, th good news is that low grades doesn't mean that the colleges will straight away not take you. Try targeting colleges which have a track record of supporting athletes and do not have a rigorous academic requirement. Find a college that fits your profile and will help you move towards your goals. Penn State, US and ASU are great schools for this!
You should try to keep your GPA as high as you can. Since badminton is the reason your grades have dropped, you should strive for a sports scholarship. You have represented your school and state so a High SAT score and sports accomplishments (in badminton) should help get that scholarship. Good luck.
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