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@lavendergyal • 2 years ago •
School List Suggestions
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12th-grade

Does a strong essay weigh more than your unweighted gpa when applying for colleges?

I’ve seen a lot of people get into Hbcu’s with 2.9-3.2s with very strong essays. I’m also wondering if you had not so good grades your freshman and sophomore year of high school then completed junior year with a 4.0; do colleges lower your admission chances because of bad grades?

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@AlexanderOddo
expert
 • 2 years ago[edited]

A strong essay will generally count more than your unweighted GPA. Colleges see academics as a benchmark - so long as you meet the minimum stats they are looking for, you will get a high score in the academics section of your admissions score sheet. If not, having other application components that are strong, such as a moving essay, can make up for a low GPA.

Since high GPAs are common and stellar essays are not, you will be in a better position than many applicants if your essay is strong. Hope this helps!

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