what colleges can i get into with these grades? (please read)?

Question

I have a 3.0 gpa, but I totally botched my SATs. I got a 630 in verbal, which is ok but my math was a very embarrassing 470. I have tons of extra-curricular and volunteer work though. I'm going to take my SATs again to raise it up, but at this point I just want to know, what colleges could I get into with those kind of grades?

Answer 1

Let's put things into perspective: Your GPA is average to very slightly above average and your SAT is average. Average students get into college -- so you are certainly going to get into some college -- and not necessarily a bad one. Improving your grades and SAT scores will only help you. Sure -- no matter what you do, the Ivy League is out -- as are some of the best state universities (e.g., Virginia, Michigan, Berkeley). But some great state universities are not as selective (e.g., University of Minnesota). If your grades in the arts are mostly As and you are interested in a liberal arts degree -- then your verbal score & those grades may actually get you into a decent liberal arts college.

Now -- how do you find a decent college that will accept you? Princeton Review has a tool that allows you to enter information about your background and interests. It then suggests schools that are appropriate for you. The link is below.

Answer 2

Apply to a variety of colleges. Different colleges focus on different things. While a large school may looking mostly at your GPA and SAT scores, smaller and liberal arts schools might give you more credit for your extracurricular activities. My advice for you would be to apply to four or more schools that are very different.

Answer 3

You should apply to whatever college you want to go to.
Try your dream college but also apply to a state college as a back up.
Don't let your SAT scores scare you.
You never know unless you try and you don't want to regret not making the effort later in life.