Applying to college with weak academic credentials

This page is for people considering applying to college who, due to special circumstances, have weak academic indicators (such as school grades, standardized test scores, or academic performance as vouched for by recommenders) but are keen to go to a good college.

Should you be keen on going to a good college?

In general, going to college is advisable for signaling purposes: it signals both pre-existing abilities and the knowledge you acquire in college. It might also be helpful in terms of the skills you acquire and the friend networks you create. And the consumptive experience can also be good.

However, given your past academic problems, ...