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Admissions for College - Question

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Captain Hindsight

Captain Hindsight

The Hero of the Modern Age
I just had a question about admissions for colleges...

After my first three years of high school, I have racked in an unremarkable 3.45 GPA. However, this year (my junior year) I managed a 4.0.

My dream has always been to attend James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. However, the average GPA at the university is a 3.67.

My one hope that since I had an excellent junior year and showed drastic improvement and plan to have an equally successful first half of my senior year is that the school will notice my efforts and possibly consider that I didn't take school seriously my first two years of high school.

Therefore, I ask the question; does anyone have any idea what the odds are of me getting into JMU (based on knowledge of admissions, determining factors, and such)?
 
Well actually just consider your question part of the simple math on an SAT.

3 years GPA 3.45
One year of which this year you obtained a 4.0.
Your prior two years show 3.17 GPA.
With a 4.0 (or better if you take some advanced course) then the final GPA may net out at a shade under 3.60.

JMU has an average GPA of 3.67. At 3.60 you are within a whisker anyway. Showing drastic improvement shows that you might have had (and continue to have) one of those light going on moments. That is always a good sign to educators. It is also a good sign that you cared enough to make the grade fully in the last two years.

Top that off with a solid SAT - one in keeping with your 4.0 GPA for that hypothetical Senior year. Do that and I'll tell you honestly, a college would be foolish to turn you away for seven hundredths of a point below their class average GPA. If I am on the entrance committee I would take you over someone with a declining GPA - see how that can work?

You should be proud of your improvement, and just keep up the good work. The entrance to JMU or any other school of your choice (within reason) will likely take care of itself.
 
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Bunch of my friends (and my sis-in-law) went to JMU. They loved it. Sounds as though you've done some great work on grades. Test scores and a solid essay will help, too.

A friend who was taking music lessons from me applied and was turned down for borderline grades. We worked on an audition tape for her, and contacted the music department, which put in a request that she be accepted. The music department at my school put in a similar request. I don't know if it was necessary, but it sure didn't hurt.
 
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Building on what sandgk and Deety have already said, keep in mind that the average GPA at JMU is 3.67...that's not the minimum required GPA. Plus, admission requirments are likely somewhat different depending on what your course of pursuit is...engineering may have a different requirement that mathematics, etc.

Bottom line is that if you bust your ass your senior year and crank out a 3.8-4.0 GPA in relevent courses (i.e., not underwater basket weaving), and crush the SAT, your chances of getting in should be quite good.
 
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Thanks guys. I really appreciate your input and analysis.

Also, just for the record, I'm planning to major in Music Performance in college, so I assume that the audition would be a critical factor, too. I'm not completely sure, though...
 
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I'll echo Mili... the average GPA is just that... average... which roughly means that for every student above that, someone was admitted with a GPA below that. Many schools publish their 25% mark. Unfortunately, James Madison doesn't appear to be one of them.

For music performance, obviously your audition is going to be crucial. Deety's probably a good source of information on that.

Have you taken any standardized tests yet? Looks like their 50% SAT scores are between 520-610 for reading, 530-620 for math, and a projected 590-660 for writing. Their ACT 50% score is between 21-26. Score near the top ranges of those, and your application will surely be given consideration.

Looks like James Madison is a mid-sized public school, which means a fairly good weight will be given to test scores. Generally, the larger the school, the more consideration they give to the "numbers" of GPA and test scores. Smaller private schools weigh personal statements, extra curricular activities and recommendations more heavily, because with fewer applicants, they have time to sift through those, while huge schools need a more easily measurable cut-off.
 
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PrincessPeach;865670; said:
I'll echo Mili... the average GPA is just that... average... which roughly means that for every student above that, someone was admitted with a GPA below that. Many schools publish their 25% mark. Unfortunately, James Madison doesn't appear to be one of them.

For music performance, obviously your audition is going to be crucial. Deety's probably a good source of information on that.

Have you taken any standardized tests yet? Looks like their 50% SAT scores are between 520-610 for reading, 530-620 for math, and a projected 590-660 for writing. Their ACT 50% score is between 21-26. Score near the top ranges of those, and your application will surely be given consideration.

Looks like James Madison is a mid-sized public school, which means a fairly good weight will be given to test scores. Generally, the larger the school, the more consideration they give to the "numbers" of GPA and test scores. Smaller private schools weigh personal statements, extra curricular activities and recommendations more heavily, because with fewer applicants, they have time to sift through those, while huge schools need a more easily measurable cut-off.
Click to expand...

Thanks a ton.

I'm going to be getting my SAT scores back this Thursday and I feel that I did well on them, but that will definitely be nice to know how I did when I get them back.
 
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Mr. Clutch;865668; said:
Also, just for the record, I'm planning to major in Music Performance in college, so I assume that the audition would be a critical factor, too. I'm not completely sure, though...
Click to expand...
I believe it will be a combination of both academics and audition. Both have to be in line, but an exceptional record on either side will balance something borderline on the other.

You'll be fine on the talent side of things for the audition, so just make sure you have the basics down. They aren't necessarily looking for superstars, just good solid fundamentals to show you listen and take it seriously. Musicality is important... being technically perfect is good, but getting the emotional push and pull of a piece down (without going overboard) is golden. Can't tell you how many times I've seen the note-perfect robot passed over for someone who understands what they are performing...

If you haven't been studying privately, I recommend taking a few lessons specifically to prepare for the audition. A pro will help polish your prepared material and get you ready for whatever they will throw at you. My friend actually auditioned twice, and the second time all we really did is fix some phrasing and a few technical details like starting a trill from the note above. Skill level didn't change, but going back with a more sophisticated presentation showed a level of commitment they liked, as did simply asking for a second audition. Not many people keep trying after an initial "no."
 
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In this age of grade inflation, class rank is as important (and possibly more important) as gpa. Given the sporadic nature of your gpa, my hunch is that the decision will come down to these factors:

1) SAT score
2) Class rank
3) AP Classes taken
4) Reputation of your h.s. with the JMU admissons office

On first glance, didn't notice that you were applying for an arts department. Your audition will be very important then.

What other universities are you considering?
 
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JMU was my first choice back in 1990. I graduated with a 3.8, but really struggled after two rounds of the SAT (this is before the essay was added). I had extracurriculars, but the fact that my SAT scores were low killed it, and I was wait-listed. :(

Hopefully, their needs and your desires will get you in. GL :biggrin:
 
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Good luck Mr. Clutch. You should definately be proud of your grades. I would tell you that one of the most important things to get into college is your scores on standardized tests. I personally hate standardized tests and have never been good at them. Hell I'd be in grad school right now if it wasn't for the GRE........Damn GRE I hate you so much. I'm still trying though. Good luck! :biggrin:
 
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sandgk;865642; said:
Actually Mili's point about your preferred field of study is quite key. There are some fields (like in the last couple of years Comp. Sci and Eng.) where they are crying out for students at different institutions.
Click to expand...

So, hypothetically, could a student send in and application with showing intent of pursuing a more obscure or unpopular major, and use that to help them get in, and then just switch once they are in school?
 
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