Tips on Using Your GPA (High or Low) to Gain College Acceptance

It is quite simple. If you have a high-grade point average (GPA), you will usually be ranked near the top of your high school class, and getting into college will be much easier. 

Any money you can save on college is an excellent thing! (After all, if you ever have to take out a student loan, by the time you calculate all of the extra interest year after year, you will be paying much more than the original amount.) Plus, a high GPA can also help you land perhaps a scholarship or two along the way.

But how do you promote your GPA to the acceptance board of your dream college to ensure you improve upon your chances of being welcomed with open arms? Having it just plainly stated on your transcripts is not enough. If there is competition and the college only accepts so many incoming first-year students, follow these tips on promoting your GPA (high or low) to get more eyes looking your way.

Stress How Your GPA Corresponds with the Program You Want to Enter

This can work whether your GPA is high for every class you have taken in high school or just in specific subject areas. For instance, if you have performed less than desirably in Math, state that to the college board in your essay, but be sure to point out that your Science grades have always been strong and you want to enter the medical field. Don’t try to sugarcoat poor grades, but come clean instead. They will appreciate this. But be sure to explain your plan on how you are going to improve upon your other scores in classes that are not associated with your major. 

Low GPA? Counter It with a High Standardized Test Score

If you have a relatively low GPA in certain subjects, your best bet is to score high on either the SAT or ACT to counteract the backlash you may experience from the college acceptance board. Then once again, in your college essay, explain why your grades were low and how you plan on fixing the problem. Maybe there were extenuating circumstances such as family issues or something similar that can assure them you will perform much better. 

State How You Earned the GPA with All of Your Extracurriculars

Colleges love it when a student applies, and he/she has plenty of unique extracurriculars they have accomplished from high school. Suppose you have done plenty of volunteering, participated in the arts, had your writing published online or in a magazine, or have accomplished something rather significant through your extracurriculars. In that case, this will add to your GPA in their eyes. Participating in these activities while keeping up with your schoolwork should give you some bonus points with the acceptance board. 

Raise Your GPA Before It Is Too Late

If you are still a junior or even just months into your senior year, you can take this opportunity to raise your GPA even more. This may require a little extra assistance, though. Luckily, iAchieve has plenty of professional tutors that can help you boost your GPA in any subject. 

If the college acceptance board notices that you have committed to earning the best grades possible as you enter your final moments of high school, they will take your seriousness to heart. 

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