GPA on the common data set is useless since there’s no clarity about weighted vs. unweighted. Many schools don’t even complete that section. If Princeton is using weighted GPA for its report, likely many of the 68% are going to have had Bs in rigorous classes. |
URM or other hook? that's important context. |
The issue here is that these are sometimes in conflict. If Kid X has all-As in regular classes and Kid Y has 2Bs and 1 B- in AP or IB classes, will Kid X be looked at more favorably because of the As? Or will admissions overlook the B or B- that Kid Y has when they see that it’s in a “rigorous” course. I know maybe we *shouldn’t* compare—but since we’re told that admissions considers students compared to how they perform against other students at they’re own school, I am curious to know the heirarchy in this scenario. Seriously. It’s obviously “better” to get As in the tough test courses if you can. But if a student takes the toughest courses and gets a B-, would the student have been “better off” take the regular course and getting an A —-in the eyes of admissions, that is? |
Depends on public or private high school |
There is no conflict for admission to the top schools. They want to see the highest GPA in the most rigorous courses offered by the high school. They (AO) can tell this from the profile sent by the high school. Hence, UVA takes mostly from the top 6% of the class in the most rigorous courses offered by the high school with a GPA of 4.51. So the very top kids. Statistically you get more leniency if URM or first generation. Talk to your high school counselor. |
UVA pretty much said it's not an either/or for all As and rigor. It's an AND for them. |
Princeton is using unweighted GPA as are all other top schools on the common data set. I originally listed Princeton bc it was the one I looked at - but if 68% of kids are entering with 4.0s then I'm pretty sure it's similar at other highly selective schools. |
Coming out of top private is a huge hook. |
This. People have no idea what the retake policies actually are. It doesn’t mean all As. |
Is there a way to know what recommenders wrote? |
You must have a warped, narrow view of what a good college is. |
This. It is what private school parents say as one justification for their choice to go private |
What does this mean ? |
This was in reference to the scenario featuring two kids with different GPA where the kid with the lower GPA was taking more rigorous classes that the kid with all As. At UVA admit sessions, they say they want high grades AND rigorous classes, not one of the other. |
DD waitlisted at UVA and W&M -- had 1 C+ in 9th grade and a handful of B/B+ grades as well. She did have some medical issues that affected a few grades, but she didn't mention them in her essays. 9 AP classes, including AP Latin and Calc AB in 11th. No AP science, just honors. 33 ACT. Excellent variety of extracurriculars and recommendations. Essay was true to who she was, connected to her desired major, and beautifully written. (I only read it after submission.)
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