A couple pages back, the question was asked about how often the core GPA is higher than overall. My guess is that for average or worse students, that it happens quite frequently. Since the core GPA for Clearinghouse purposes is figure on a formula of what classes are required [3 English, 2 Math, 2 Science, one more from that group, 2 Social Studies, 2 more from THAT group, 2 foreign language, etc] it is possible to have a couple of Ds in math, english, science, and they are not factored in to your core GPA. This will become less prevalent starting in 07, when 16 core classes are required, vice 14 now.
For whatever reason the kid has a 1.7 [ADD, lazy, just plain stupid, or whatever] it hardly is a ringing endorsement for the school he plans to attend, nor is it a portent of a four year career there, the specter of flunking out, notwithstanding. Hopefully for the kid, he has the ability/makes the choice/gets the help required, in order to make the most ACADEMICALLY at his new D1, lest he fall by the wayside.