My gpa is 3.55 and i got a 22 on the ACT test, will I be able to get into any of the big ten schools such as indiana university, michigan state, or purdue univeristy with this low act score. Do colleges really base their decisions on the act score or do they look at your actual grades in school?
2006-10-15 15:01:52 · 5 answers · asked by Sara 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Schools look at both. Different schools have different formulas for deciding, so it varies. Apply anywhere and everywhere you would like to go.
2006-10-15 15:05:07 · answer #1 · answered by Computer Guy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Schools do look at a variety of factors--including test scores (ACT is the main one in the Midwest, SAT on the coasts ... and sometimes they'll also look at scores on your state's high school achievement tests), grade point, class rank, what courses you took in high school, and sometimes written recommendations or a resume of activities and service contributions. Every school is different on how they evaluate applicants. The fact is, though, that at large schools such as the Big 10 schools you mention, test scores are usually the #1 factor. If these particular schools are popular among students from your high school, your school counselor should know exactly what the schools require. A lot of times you can get by with a lower ACT if your grade point or class rank are higher. Also standards are very different if you are in a recruited field (such as an athlete or a woman majoring in the sciences).
If you find the Big 10 schools won't accept you, another good option is to get an associate degree from a local community college and then transfer to the school you want to go to. Most state universities will automatically accept an associate degree (particularly from a community college in the same state) as fulfilling the general education requirements for the university and will admit you with junior standing.
2006-10-15 15:25:24 · answer #2 · answered by dmb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you study for the ACT before you took it, using a Princeton Review book or anything of the such? Also, did you take the test more than once? Both of those strategies may help you up your scores.
For better or for worse, standardized test scores do matter. Try taking the tests again if you think you can do better.
2006-10-16 13:46:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Computer Guy. Apply to some safeties, and take the SAT too (you might do better?).
2006-10-15 15:10:23 · answer #4 · answered by sarcastro1976 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They prefer to see the results of your major exams, school grades can also be considered.
2006-10-15 15:19:54 · answer #5 · answered by Lacieles 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋