Low GPA HIGH ACT

H

Harleyboys98

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Jan 10, 2017
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Hello everybody,

I'm thinking my GPA is going to be on the lower end when I apply to a SA (uw 3.55-3.7/4.0). But I mostly took honors and AP's. On the other hand, I'm getting my ACT score high (34 cumulative w/ 35 math score). Will these offset one another? Thanks:)
 
I have the same question except switched. I have a 4.4/4.0 gpa but a 1260 SAT score, will these offset one another?
 
I think when it all comes down you they will balance each other out, plus keep in mind that the SAs aren't only after your test scores and GPA, they are also looking for that whole person factor. I have seen people with those scores get in all the time, and as long as you demonstrate good leadership and academics take a deep breath folks. Good luck!!
 
I think both are important but I lean towards the SAT being more important. Difficulty of high schools vary. Some are easy to get good grades in and some quite hard. Everyone is on a level field on the SAT / ACT. Still a pretty good GPA is also important because there are lots of genius slackers out there and the academies don't want slackers no matter how high their SAT.
 
National tests are standardized across the nation (obviously) so it's easier to compare candidates from different parts of the country, side-by-side.

But the SAT or ACT is a one day event. A school GPA gives a school an idea of how you do over an extended period of time.

To me, its most helpful to consider them together.

Bad GPA? Maybe a hard school (especially if the class rank is respectable). Bad ACT or SAT? Maybe the kid is a bad test taker.

Good GPA and SAT/ACT? Some consistent good production in short and long term situations.
 
It is class rank that is more important. The SA uses class rank and standardized test scores to compute your academic ranking. There are so many different GPA systems and scales it makes GPA comparisons difficult if not impossible. Class rank is much easier to compare. Class rank and standardized tests get the same weight.
 
5Day said:
It is class rank that is more important. The SA uses class rank and standardized test scores to compute your academic ranking. There are so many different GPA systems and scales it makes GPA comparisons difficult if not impossible. Class rank is much easier to compare. Class rank and standardized tests get the same weight.
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I'm hoping. My DS has a non-weighted GPA of only 3.57 and weighted GPA at 3.87 at this point (going up when report cards are released). His SAT was 1360 and his class rank is top 10%. We're hoping it's enough. Most classes are AP/Honors. He runs XC and Track and is Team Captain of the XC team. He's also in CAP and has the Spaatz Award.

But, only time will tell. There are a lot of great kids out there with outstanding qualifications, which is a great thing to see to be honest.

Best of luck all.
 
A few things to keep in mind before reading my reply - the first is there is no secret number and a lot depends on your competition within your state and congressional district. You are qualified so if you get the MOC nomination then you likely have a great chance at an appointment.

My DS was in a similar boat from a GPA perspective. He also had a cumulative ACT of 34. He did have a couple of classes where he scored low and was asked about them in the ALO and MOC interviews. He also was able to show he understood and mastered the material by making 5s on the AP exam in those courses. He went to the second ranked HS in our state and had a nice whole person resume to back up his academics.

He made it and is doing very well at USAFA. He validated 7 classes and made the Dean's list after his first semester. Keep the faith and best of luck.
 
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