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A good GPA for URM to get into schools like Harvard/Columbia

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 7:31 am
by Chowfun
I have currently a 3.7. I'm striving to get out with a 3.8, I know I can do it. I just hit a setback.... I received my first B+ on an assignment this semester! GASP....I know I'm probably over reacting, but I was getting A on everything this semester and this one B has me shaking. So I need to know if a 3.8 is a good goal for a female URM and those choice schools. Should it be higher or lower? Is the gpa range the same for all students regardless of URM?

Re: A good GPA for URM to get into schools like Harvard/Columbia

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 7:33 am
by John_rizzy_rawls
What kind of URM?

Re: A good GPA for URM to get into schools like Harvard/Columbia

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 7:40 am
by Chowfun
John_rizzy_rawls wrote:What kind of URM?
Black female. :)

Re: A good GPA for URM to get into schools like Harvard/Columbia

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 7:44 am
by John_rizzy_rawls
3.7+/165+ for AA is very close to a lock at Harvard.

Re: A good GPA for URM to get into schools like Harvard/Columbia

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 7:54 am
by Chowfun
Okay thanks! Ill still strive for better, but I do feel at ease that I don't need that 3.85 or better. Is that range also good for Columbia to? I'm assuming so, but I never like to assume.

Re: A good GPA for URM to get into schools like Harvard/Columbia

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 7:55 am
by John_rizzy_rawls
AAs with 3.3/164 are getting into Columbia this cycle.

Yes, you're fine.

Re: A good GPA for URM to get into schools like Harvard/Columbia

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 7:58 am
by Chowfun
John_rizzy_rawls wrote:AAs with 3.3/164 are getting into Columbia this cycle.

Yes, you're fine.
ZOMG! Is this normal or is it because of the lack of applicants? I wish I was them. Oh and thank you for sharing this info.

Re: A good GPA for URM to get into schools like Harvard/Columbia

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 8:00 am
by John_rizzy_rawls
Both. AA URMs get huge bumps but also this cycle has been unprecedented in certain ways.

Re: A good GPA for URM to get into schools like Harvard/Columbia

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 8:14 am
by Chowfun
John_rizzy_rawls wrote:Both. AA URMs get huge bumps but also this cycle has been unprecedented in certain ways.
I hope this last for next year's cycle as well. When URM apply are they mostly competing against other URMs or everyone?

Re: A good GPA for URM to get into schools like Harvard/Columbia

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 8:15 am
by John_rizzy_rawls
Other URMs, of the same type.

Re: A good GPA for URM to get into schools like Harvard/Columbia

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 8:30 am
by Chowfun
John_rizzy_rawls wrote:Other URMs, of the same type.
Ugh why didn't I know this?! ... Are leadership roles important? I do a lot of community service and kept the same student worker position for almost 4 years. I am in the honors program. I'm also in the honors society for my major. But despite all of this, I'm not a leader in any of them. Will this hurt my chances?

Re: A good GPA for URM to get into schools like Harvard/Columbia

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 8:31 am
by John_rizzy_rawls
Soft factors don't matter much.

LSAT/GPA/URM - in that order.

Re: A good GPA for URM to get into schools like Harvard/Columbia

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 8:40 am
by Chowfun
John_rizzy_rawls wrote:Soft factors don't matter much.

LSAT/GPA/URM - in that order.
Thanks for the tips. I didn't know these things. You have been a big help! Is it best to apply early decision correct, to fair better in the running?

Re: A good GPA for URM to get into schools like Harvard/Columbia

Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2013 3:07 pm
by BlakcMajikc
Chowfun wrote:
John_rizzy_rawls wrote:Soft factors don't matter much.

LSAT/GPA/URM - in that order.
Thanks for the tips. I didn't know these things. You have been a big help! Is it best to apply early decision correct, to fair better in the running?
No. dont ED anywhere. just apply early in the admissions cycle.

Re: A good GPA for URM to get into schools like Harvard/Columbia

Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2013 3:30 pm
by bananapudding88
John_rizzy_rawls wrote:AAs with 3.3/164162 are getting into Columbia this cycle.

Fixed that for you. Therefore, I would disagree.. softs DO matter :D

Re: A good GPA for URM to get into schools like Harvard/Columbia

Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2013 3:43 pm
by John_rizzy_rawls
aiaea wrote:
John_rizzy_rawls wrote:AAs with 3.3/164162 are getting into Columbia this cycle.

Fixed that for you. Therefore, I would disagree.. softs DO matter :D
Your cycle's been awesome aiaea, real happy for you!

Re: A good GPA for URM to get into schools like Harvard/Columbia

Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2013 3:44 pm
by bananapudding88
John_rizzy_rawls wrote:
Your cycle's been awesome aiaea, real happy for you!
Haha, thanks JRR. It really has been miraculous! :lol:

Re: A good GPA for URM to get into schools like Harvard/Columbia

Posted: Sat Apr 06, 2013 8:46 pm
by janedope
Question --

I thought that it was a different type of "bump" for AA Females as opposed to AA Males. I have no actual experience and could be talking out my ass but is that true?

Re: A good GPA for URM to get into schools like Harvard/Columbia

Posted: Sat Apr 06, 2013 8:52 pm
by bizzybone1313
Get your GPA as high as possible. At the 3.8+ range, you would be in really good shape. Sacrifice all of your social relationships, partying and your $8/hr part time job to get a good GPA. It is much, much easier to get a high GPA than to score high on the LSAT. Focus all of your energy on getting your GPA as high as possible.

Re: A good GPA for URM to get into schools like Harvard/Columbia

Posted: Sat Apr 06, 2013 9:08 pm
by John_rizzy_rawls
janedope wrote:Question --

I thought that it was a different type of "bump" for AA Females as opposed to AA Males. I have no actual experience and could be talking out my ass but is that true?
Slightly but they're the top 2 bumps by far.

Re: A good GPA for URM to get into schools like Harvard/Columbia

Posted: Tue Apr 09, 2013 2:06 pm
by Chowfun
bizzybone1313 wrote:Get your GPA as high as possible. At the 3.8+ range, you would be in really good shape. Sacrifice all of your social relationships, partying and your $8/hr part time job to get a good GPA. It is much, much easier to get a high GPA than to score high on the LSAT. Focus all of your energy on getting your GPA as high as possible.

Ahh...now the pressure is on. I just got my second exam back for a different class and I received a B. This has brought my grade down, I'm still in the A range assuming I receive a 100 on the homework assignments. Is have a 3.7 or a 3.75 all that bad or discouraging if it isn't a 3.8 plus. I'm going to try my hardest. I'm just a little nervous that if I don't have the 3.8 that would be a disadvantage on my part.

Re: A good GPA for URM to get into schools like Harvard/Columbia

Posted: Tue Apr 09, 2013 3:29 pm
by BlakcMajikc
Chowfun wrote:
bizzybone1313 wrote:Get your GPA as high as possible. At the 3.8+ range, you would be in really good shape. Sacrifice all of your social relationships, partying and your $8/hr part time job to get a good GPA. It is much, much easier to get a high GPA than to score high on the LSAT. Focus all of your energy on getting your GPA as high as possible.

Ahh...now the pressure is on. I just got my second exam back for a different class and I received a B. This has brought my grade down, I'm still in the A range assuming I receive a 100 on the homework assignments. Is have a 3.7 or a 3.75 all that bad or discouraging if it isn't a 3.8 plus. I'm going to try my hardest. I'm just a little nervous that if I don't have the 3.8 that would be a disadvantage on my part.
wont make a difference... it's going to be all about that LSAT score. without the right LSAT score, that GPA means nothing.

Re: A good GPA for URM to get into schools like Harvard/Columbia

Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 4:17 pm
by wbrother
John_rizzy_rawls wrote:AAs with 3.3/164 are getting into Columbia this cycle.

Yes, you're fine.
Only some of though... :cry:

Re: A good GPA for URM to get into schools like Harvard/Columbia

Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 4:21 pm
by John_rizzy_rawls
wbrother wrote:
John_rizzy_rawls wrote:AAs with 3.3/164 are getting into Columbia this cycle.

Yes, you're fine.
Only some of though... :cry:
Columbia reject you bro? Shit.

But don't you have like a fullie to USC or some shit? Nothing to sneeze at bro lol

Re: A good GPA for URM to get into schools like Harvard/Columbia

Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 7:36 pm
by TatNurner
janedope wrote:Question --

I thought that it was a different type of "bump" for AA Females as opposed to AA Males. I have no actual experience and could be talking out my ass but is that true?
Almost twice as many AA females vs. males so the competition is greater among AA females, resulting in a slightly lower bump.