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Do colleges care more about a good GPA or a good ACT score?

I have a good GPA but a low ACT score. I've looked at a lot of school websites, and my ACT score is lower than the low range of students they accept. I worry about being rejected because of the ACT score. #worriedaboutgettingin

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Jin’s Answer

Hello Nia, Congratulations on keeping your GPA high, it means you are a responsible, diligent student. Because every school is different, college admission has to use standard test to evaluate students nation-wide. An A+ student in one school might perform worse than an average student in another school. I would suggest you spend some effort to study for standard test such as ACT or SAT. Check if library has preparation books for these exams and practice on sample tests. Please note some kids are good at SAT test, while others might be good at ACT test. You might want to test on SAT to see if you can have higher score. Please also note that you can take multiple times on these tests and you can choose the best score to report to college. Besides ACT and SAT test, please do your best on PSAT test (taken in Junior year). quite some colleges will offer scholarship for students who did well in PSAT test. Hope this helps. Good luck to your college application.

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Kassandra’s Answer

I feel like this is a question a lot of students have. It's scary, I get it! Fortunately times have changed and universities look beyond just an SAT and ACT score. Some schools have even decided to take them out of the requirements! More times than not, they are more interested in how you are as an overall person, taking into account grades as well as after school activities etc. It's really important to show that side of yourself as well. Focus on the fact that you have a good SAT score and work with that. You got this girl! Good luck!
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Sean’s Answer

Great question, I feel that this really depends on the school that you're looking at. My GPA was respectable and my SAT score was average as a whole. (Great in Math, could be better on the verbal) In my case it was the overall body of work and outside stuff that got me accepted where I wanted to go. Some may weight very heavily on scores, while others may look at how much you challenged yourself amongst other things, therefore I feel this depends on the school. Thanks for asking
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Stephanie’s Answer

Hi Nia!

While it is good that you are focusing on your grades and standardized tests, it's important to remember that colleges look far beyond these two numbers as well. They are interested in what you are doing outside of class, what clubs and organizations you are involved in, any leadership roles you have taken on, and generally what matters to you. The personal essay is also an opportunity for you to tell a story about something that may not be readily visible from your resume, such as an experience that helped shape who you have become. Hope this helps, good luck!

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Doanh’s Answer

Hi Nia! My timing for the response may be moot by now. However, your question is so relevant to today's college admission process. As have shared by some other responders, board scores (SAT/ACT) can play a role. They are also optional at many colleges and universities! Your GPA is very important. I have seen instances when high SAT/ACT scores with lower GPA work against a student's chance of being admitted. Ideally, you demonstrate strength in both areas. Having said that, many colleges now look at the application holistically. So, your recommendations, personal statement, extracurricular activities, and other talents you bring in to the process are all taken into consideration. I can understand your anxiety about the ACT. I can also share that I have personally experienced students being admitted to very reputable college/universities not submitting SAT/ACT. You sound like a resourceful person (you are here looking for answers!), continue to research more, especially at schools in which you are interested. Talk to the admissions counselors and hear what they have to say. Best of luck to you!
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