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Low GPA? Get Into Harvard And Stanford Anyway

June 10th, 2009

Many students have problems with a low grade point average(GPA). It seems like you just zip through middle school without a hitch, then high school throws you for a loop.

With new teachers and harder course work, many students are thrown for a loop. Suddenly straight A students are shocked to see B’s and even C’s cropping up on their report cards.

When I was applying for Ivy League schools, I had to cope with the fact that I had a low GPA. I understand exactly what you are going through, and in this article, I would like to share some of my coping techniques.

Click here to learn AP test taking tips!

Remember these three points:

1. Take some college classes and do your very best in them.

Use your summertime wisely. Sign up for some college classes and do well at them. Choose something that dovetails with your natural and/or your academic interests. One example would be, if you are consumed with medieval history, you should take a course in Renaissance Philosophy. Because it is already your interest, you should do well at it. If it supports your major, that is time doubly well spent.

Clearly, taking these classes will benefit you when it comes to submitting your Common Application. The fact that you have taken some courses at the university level and done well will show that you have what it takes academically. This is known as demonstrated academic depth.

This will really boost a sagging GPA because these courses will serve the same purpose as a high GPA score. They will prove that you have what it takes to meet the challenge and perform successfully at the college level. This may provide the tipping point that helps the admissions committee become interested in you.

2. In your final semester(s), take lots of AP/Honors courses.

In the final analysis, you will simply have to do well in your classes. Your transcript makes a major statement about your ability to study effectively and your work ethic.

During my fall semester of Common Applications, I took seven advanced placement classes. This was not at all easy, but it paid off. Having seven AP classes on my transcript looked really good and went a long way toward presenting me as a serious student.

We talk a lot about trends in our admissions committees discussions.

One trend that looks good is taking lots of AP courses. This shows that a student is serious and has the potential to excel. When we see a student working in increments to improve his GPA, we sit up and take notice. Keep this in mind, too: It is impressive to see a student with low junior high grades gradually raise them. To see it happen the other way around, however, is not impressive.

3. Say a lot about your extracurricular achievements and your summertime activities.

Obviously, you want to draw attention away from your GPA if it is low. You can do this effectively by giving a generous estimate of the amount of time you have spent on your extracurricular activities and talking about them in great detail in your essays.

Doing this will make it clear that the reason your GPA is low is that you were really busy with your varsity teams and clubs.

One thing you should know is that, it doesn’t matter if you are the valedictorian. If you haven’t been a member of a varsity sports team or the president of a club, you won’t get into Harvard.

Click here to learn why high school admissions counselors waste your money.

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