Chances at certain colleges?

Question

Hi! I am a senior with a 4.1 GPA, 1940 on the SAT, and 32 on the ACT. I am going to retake the ACT to see if I can score any higher, and possibly try to just send in those scores. What do you think my chances are at Georgetown, Northwestern, and Cornell University?

Those are my top 3, but I'm wondering how my chances are? Any help would be most appreciated! Thanks!

Answer 1

Although your SAT is a little low, your ACT scores are actually better than your SAT scores. I go to Northwestern (and it is FABULOUS) and you probably stand a chance if you have leadership positions, a great essay, and something about you that makes you different. While I did apply to Georgetown as well, I felt that they weren't as concerned with what makes me special and focused more on the numbers. Northwestern wants to accept the person you are, not the numbers you have. I think that is what makes NU so special. I think that as long as you show who you are on your application and make sure you have an interview, you should be able to be considered. I would however, recommend some back up schools that are also good schools but a little easier to get into. From the schools you like, I would recommend Lehigh University, Fordham University, and Boston University. Good Luck!!!

Answer 2

First of all, these colleges will look at your unweighted GPA, so re-calculate it without the weighting and look at the average hs gpa of each college, comparing yours to each average. However, a 4.1 weighted sounds pretty good, probably at least a 3.5 unweighted.

Your ACT scores are better than your relative SAT scores, but colleges don't look at all aspects of the SAT. They only really care about the combined math and critical reading. And your ACT score is about a 1450 on the M/CR SAT scale, or a 2150 total.

Have you taken any SAT 2s? These colleges will expect a couple SAT 2s, probably two is good. That means you'll have to send in your regular SAT scores no matter what. But I wouldn't worry about that with your ACT scores because colleges will look at the best one.

You probably have a decent chance at getting into Georgetown and Northwestern, and a slight reach for Cornell, just because it is an ivy league and its acceptance rate is lower.

Answer 3

The top schools want SAT scores rather than the ACT -- try improving your SAT instead.

Your grades are average for the schools you mention. Your SAT scores are below average for those schools -- but not so much that they will automatically exclude you.

You need to set yourself apart. In particular, you are going to need a killer admissions essay. You will also need a back-up school -- because while you ar qualified to get into these schools -- it is far from a sure thing.