Can I get into a decent college with iffy grades, but good test scores?

Question

I'm starting to look at colleges, I want to go to a small, alternative college, but my grades arn't amazing (3.0 maybe).....i think I'll do pretty good on the sats though, because I scored high on the Psats (73 verbal, 90somthing percentile overall) but is that enough to get me into one of these colleges, most of which have a 3.8 avg gpa?

i'm not talking about IV league schools, i'm not delusional....but a ton of colleges seem to have a 3.7-3.8 avg gpa.....and I know the Psat isnt the same thing as the SAT.....but it seems like if you score well on one you will probably score pretty well on the other

the point is, there arn't really any schools with a 3.0 gpa avg, so i can't do the thing where you look at schools and pick ones that fall into your grade/test score range......so im trying to gauge my chances of getting into college....

Answer 1

A small alternative college ... that's a pretty broad category. The answer is "yes", but study up for those sats, and look around to target a few schools to investigate in depth.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Not a 3.8 average GPA school - I take it you're referring to the Ivies? Unless your parents are alum or have money, I doubt you'll be getting into Harvard. As for the PSATs, it's a decent judge, but it's not going to give you an accurate guide to go by - you need to take the SAT to know how you're really going to do, and most colleges won't think much of you taking the SAT more than once. In fact, you could take the SAT up to three times and not be hurt by it - more than three times is a bit much though. Work harder on getting your grades up there, since they show how you'll do overall at the college as far as work ethic (but your classes will have to be more difficult than chorus or a science class targeting the football team) Take AP courses. And get good recommendations and a really amazing essay.

Answer 3

A decent college, sure, but a most competitive college isn't going to look at a 3.0 GPA, regardless or your test scores, unless you have something major going for you... Most college admissions don't work on quotas, but they do keep certain things in the back of their minds when looking at applications. However, the first thing they look at is GPA because it is the best predictor of how well a student will do in college.

Answer 4

yeh, you can find something if you are in the high percentile that you expect. funny, however, you havent taken the tests and you are talking like it is over. i wonder. i guess you must wonder. i wish you the best luck but outrageous ********* may not put you ontop. confidence. you have confidence it seems. we will see won't we?