College Admission Calculator
Estimate your chances of getting into your dream school
Enter Your Profile
Your Estimated Chances
🎓 Quick Answer
Based on your profile, you have approximately a 62% chance of admission to selective schools. This is considered a good chance.
⚠️ Important Note
This calculator provides an estimate only. Actual admission decisions depend on many factors including holistic review, institutional priorities, legacy status, geographic diversity, and the applicant pool. Use this as a general guide, not a guarantee.


Dr. Snezana Lawrence
Mathematical Historian
15+ years experience
PhD from Yale University. Published mathematical historian ensuring precision in all calculations.
Education
PhD in Mathematical History - Yale University
📑 Table of Contents
🔑 Key Admission Factors
Academic Performance (40-50%)
- • GPA and class rank
- • Course rigor (AP/IB/Honors)
- • Grade trend (improvement matters)
Test Scores (20-30%)
- • SAT or ACT scores
- • AP/IB exam scores
- • Subject tests (if required)
Extracurriculars (15-20%)
- • Leadership positions
- • Depth over breadth
- • Impact and achievements
Personal Qualities (15-20%)
- • Essays and personal statement
- • Letters of recommendation
- • Interview (if offered)
📊 GPA Requirements by School Type
| School Type | Min GPA | Avg GPA | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ivy League | 3.8+ | 3.9+ | Harvard, Yale, Princeton |
| Highly Selective | 3.7+ | 3.85+ | MIT, Stanford, Duke |
| Selective | 3.4+ | 3.7+ | UCLA, NYU, Boston U |
| Competitive | 3.0+ | 3.4+ | Arizona State, Penn State |
| Moderately Selective | 2.5+ | 3.0+ | Many state universities |
📝 Test Score Expectations
SAT Score Ranges
ACT Score Ranges
💪 How to Improve Your Chances
Take Challenging Courses
AP, IB, or Honors classes show academic rigor.
Focus on Quality Extracurriculars
Depth and leadership matter more than quantity.
Craft Compelling Essays
Be authentic and show your unique perspective.
Build Strong Relationships
Get meaningful recommendations from teachers.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What factors affect college admission?
Key factors include GPA, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), extracurricular activities, essays, letters of recommendation, and demonstrated interest.
What GPA do I need for college?
GPA requirements vary by school. Ivy League schools typically require 3.9+, highly selective schools 3.7+, selective schools 3.5+, and less selective schools may accept 2.5+.
Are SAT and ACT scores equally accepted?
Yes, virtually all U.S. colleges accept both the SAT and ACT equally. Submit whichever test you score higher on.
Do colleges look at grade trends?
Yes! An upward grade trend (improving over time) is viewed positively, while a declining trend may raise concerns. Consistency and growth matter.
🔗 Related Calculators

Dr. Snezana Lawrence
Mathematical Historian | PhD from Yale
Dr. Lawrence is a published mathematical historian with a PhD from Yale University. She ensures mathematical precision and accuracy in all our calculations, conversions, and academic score calculators. Her expertise spans computational mathematics and educational assessment.
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