Will a 2.6 GPA get me into Northern Arizona University?
Northern Arizona University is my top choice right now, and I have a 2.6 GPA. Is this realistic? I’m also applying out-of-state and I have about 3 extracurricular activities. If NAU is reaching too far, then what are some other reasonable AZ schools? No community colleges, please.
I live in California and I’m looking for rural, small college town type schools. Chico State is another option (yes, I know it has a bad rep but it has good qualities as well). And please don’t say things like "you’re stupid". I have feelings too -__-
Hi Claire,
My name is Erik and I am an Admissions Counselor for northern arizona university. Before addressing your comment directly, I encourage you to seriously consider NAU instead of Chico mostly because all California schools have tightened up their admission requirements significantly and their tuition has increased by 30% in the last three months. Le’ts just say the Governator is Terminating Higher Education in Cali…not to mention, we are not nationally ranked on the list of party schools. Now onto your inquiry…which certainly is not a "stupid" one.
As Rebecca pointed out above, you will be considered for admission with a 2.6 GPA. But the GPA must be in these required CORE subjects:
4 years of English
4 years of Math (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and either Precalc, Stats, or Calc)
3 years of Lab science (1 year of integrated science, 1 year of biology, 1 year of chemistry or physics)
2 years of social science, with one being US history.
2 years of the SAME foreign language (yes, American sign language does qualify)
1 year of fine arts (i.e. Art, Music, Theater, Ceramics, Drawing, etc)
A very important thing to realize Claire is that your cumulative high school GPA is NOT your core GPA.
For admissions purposes we don’t care how you did in PE, home economics, or typing. Keep in mind also that what is required to graduate from high school is not what is required for admission to NAU.
So, if your CORE (referring to those classes I listed above) GPA is above 2.5 you will be considered for admission, meaning basically that your admission would be conditional upon "individual circumstances and/or space availability" (http://home.nau.edu/admissions/apply/admissreq.asp).
Therefore Claire, you are right on the edge of conditional admission and I would counsel you to take the SAT (and score a 1110 on the math and reading) or the ACT (with a composite of 24).
That being said, there is another crucial thing to consider–deficiencies. Applicants can have NO more than one deficiency in any two subjects in course requirements, and of course, not more than one deficiency in the same subject.
Students with a combination math/science deficiency are not admissible. However, if you share a combination of deficiencies in two subject areas that are not science and math, have a 2.6 in those core classes, you will be considered for admission.
Also keep in mind that what Rebecca wrote is correct, given you have NO DEFICIENCIES in any subject area.
I cannot emphasize enough to you that we are looking at the CORE GPA, not your cumulative. If your cumulative GPA is 2.6, be sure that your core GPA is not below 2.5 or you will be denied. You can figure that out by contacting me at 928-523-3864 or emailing me at Erik.Johnson@nau.edu.
We will need to know your grades and credits however, so you will have to have a copy of your high school transcript. Also remember that if you have D’s, for university admission you are considered deficient–Ds don’t cut it at the university level.
Oh, and which state are you from? If you are from California, you may qualify for our Western Undergraduate Exchange program which amounts to a 1.5 in-state tuition discount–saving you about $8K in tuition costs as an out-of-state student.
I look forward to your response/email/phone call. Good luck and feel free to contact us anytime.
Erik Johnson
Admissions Counselor
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Northern Arizona University
PO Box 4084
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-4084
(928) 523-3864 (Office)
(928) 523-0226 (Fax)
(888) 628-2968 (Toll Free)
Erik.Johnson@nau.edu
"A note about the college’s admission requirements: 3.0 GPA, class rank in top quarter, 22 ACT (24 out-of-state) or 1040 SAT (1110 out-of-state) required for unconditional admission. Conditional admission with 2.5-2.99 GPA, class rank in upper half, and test scores below requirements for unconditional admission.
"
References :
college board website
no huny…nooo…u might and it will depend on ur sat score….so gud luck…..u will be very lucky to be accepted….so gud luck….
References :
You could try Arizona State. I heard they have around a 90% admittance rate.
Dude, if you have a 2.6 in high school you’re obviously not prepared for college. try going to a community college for two years and then transferring.
References :
the other answer posted it well, but ill post some more info from the princeton review
Admissions Selectivity Rating: 60*
SAT:
% Submitting Score: 70%
Critical Reading Middle 50%: 470 - 580
Math Middle 50%: 470 - 590
Writing Middle 50%: 450 - 560
ACT:
% Submitting Score: 41%
ACT Middle 50%: 21 - 25
Math Middle 50%: 19 - 26
English Middle 50%: 19 - 25
Writing Middle 50%: 6 - 8
Average High School GPA: 3.4
% with GPA 3.75 of higher: 27%
% with GPA 3.50 - 3.74: 19%
% with GPA 3.25 - 3.49: 17%
% with GPA 3.0 - 3.24: 17%
% with GPA 2.5 - 2.99: 18%
% with GPA 2.0 - 2.49: 2%
It doesnt seem too tough to get into but with a 2.6 you are not doing any favors to yourself (unless high GPA or great private school)
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090806140810AA3zBO2
References :
nooo, you a dum dum
References :
Get ahold of NAU’s course book and see if their own standards for academic probation begin at below a 2.5 GPA, or if it’s more like 2.0. Unfortunately, high-school grades often predict college grades, so the admissions department at college might not take favorably to your transcript if it implies, rightly or wrongly, that you are only a "C+" student Take the SAT’s again to send to the college(s) that interest you. The College Board people are fine about sending out only the better (total) SAT score to a school’s admissions department.
If you fear that your scores on the mandatory essay third of the SAT will be low, then briefly shrug off your dislike of community colleges and take an off-term course in English composition (a/k/a/ English 101, or Expository Writing). This will show to full-fledged schools that you intend to work to improve your academic ability.
Apply to at least three schools. Clearly NAU is your standard; also go for a "reach" you don’t think would let you in, and a "safety" that will take you no matter what. Based on your preference, a four-year school or a university is for you; don’t bother with community colleges if that’s not what you want.
I don’t know why you appear to strongly favor Northern Arizona University; do they have some special program that interests you, or are they close to where you grew up? Would you consider leaving Arizona if you found a honey of a school in some other state?
If you’re still in high school, visit a Guidance Counselor. That’s what they are there for. You also need to be thinking of adults who can give you a positive recommendation of your character, determination and eagerness to learn.
You are also perfectly within your rights to lay all your cards on the table with any school’s Admissions Department. They’re going to see your grades and SAT’s (or whatever standardized test) anyway, so consider seizing the initiative: make an appointment with a member of the admissions department. Dress well, go there in person and be prepared to answer such questions as: why do you think your high school grades are so poor (be honest); is there anything that makes this school particularly attractive to you; do you think you’re mature enough for a residential college; do you personally know anyone who is an undergraduate here (if so, name the ones with the best grades); what is the last book you read (or the last novel) and so on.
References :
Someone will let you in if you prepare the ground.
How about making U. Arizona at Tucson your "reach" school and ASU/Tempe your "safety"? Or learn more about four-year colleges in your region?
PS: Do you think you could make some school’s varsity team in your best sport? That could add the push you need to make it in.
Hi Claire,
My name is Erik and I am an Admissions Counselor for Northern Arizona University. Before addressing your comment directly, I encourage you to seriously consider NAU instead of Chico mostly because all California schools have tightened up their admission requirements significantly and their tuition has increased by 30% in the last three months. Le’ts just say the Governator is Terminating Higher Education in Cali…not to mention, we are not nationally ranked on the list of party schools. Now onto your inquiry…which certainly is not a "stupid" one.
As Rebecca pointed out above, you will be considered for admission with a 2.6 GPA. But the GPA must be in these required CORE subjects:
4 years of English
4 years of Math (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and either Precalc, Stats, or Calc)
3 years of Lab science (1 year of integrated science, 1 year of biology, 1 year of chemistry or physics)
2 years of social science, with one being US history.
2 years of the SAME foreign language (yes, American sign language does qualify)
1 year of fine arts (i.e. Art, Music, Theater, Ceramics, Drawing, etc)
A very important thing to realize Claire is that your cumulative high school GPA is NOT your core GPA.
For admissions purposes we don’t care how you did in PE, home economics, or typing. Keep in mind also that what is required to graduate from high school is not what is required for admission to NAU.
So, if your CORE (referring to those classes I listed above) GPA is above 2.5 you will be considered for admission, meaning basically that your admission would be conditional upon "individual circumstances and/or space availability" (http://home.nau.edu/admissions/apply/admissreq.asp).
Therefore Claire, you are right on the edge of conditional admission and I would counsel you to take the SAT (and score a 1110 on the math and reading) or the ACT (with a composite of 24).
That being said, there is another crucial thing to consider–deficiencies. Applicants can have NO more than one deficiency in any two subjects in course requirements, and of course, not more than one deficiency in the same subject.
Students with a combination math/science deficiency are not admissible. However, if you share a combination of deficiencies in two subject areas that are not science and math, have a 2.6 in those core classes, you will be considered for admission.
Also keep in mind that what Rebecca wrote is correct, given you have NO DEFICIENCIES in any subject area.
I cannot emphasize enough to you that we are looking at the CORE GPA, not your cumulative. If your cumulative GPA is 2.6, be sure that your core GPA is not below 2.5 or you will be denied. You can figure that out by contacting me at 928-523-3864 or emailing me at Erik.Johnson@nau.edu.
We will need to know your grades and credits however, so you will have to have a copy of your high school transcript. Also remember that if you have D’s, for university admission you are considered deficient–Ds don’t cut it at the university level.
Oh, and which state are you from? If you are from California, you may qualify for our Western Undergraduate Exchange program which amounts to a 1.5 in-state tuition discount–saving you about $8K in tuition costs as an out-of-state student.
I look forward to your response/email/phone call. Good luck and feel free to contact us anytime.
Erik Johnson
Admissions Counselor
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Northern Arizona University
PO Box 4084
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-4084
(928) 523-3864 (Office)
(928) 523-0226 (Fax)
(888) 628-2968 (Toll Free)
Erik.Johnson@nau.edu
References :
NAU Admission Counselor
http://home.nau.edu/admissions/apply/admissreq.asp