So this is a bit of an unusual case, but during my sophomore year, I had extreme health complications that forced me to miss nearly 40 days over the school year. Because of this, my 4.0 dropped to a 3.66. I am starting my junior and am fully recovered. If I continue to get straight As until college apps time next year, I’ll have a 3.85 (unweighted). By senior year, I’ll have taken 10+ AP classes, I’m in a number of clubs and am the head of one, have won national competitions in the arts, and currently have a 33 on the ACT, but I’m planning to take it again after copious studying which should give me a score in the range of a 35-36. What I’m wondering is, will a letter from my counselor explaining the circumstance, which is what you’re supposed to do when health had an affect on your grades, and great recommendation letters + essay give me a chance in top colleges (specifically ivy leagues)?
Many if not most 4.0 applicants to top colleges are rejected. The rest of your application will determine your admissibility.
Yes, you should ask your guidance counselor to discuss your health issue/absences and the impact on your GPA in his/her recommendation and (if true), make it clear that you have recovered and it should not be an issue moving forward.
Honestly probably won’t effect you much. If anything getting sick gave you a good essay topic and excuse for any shortcomings.
Look at it this way: any college that rejects you won’t have accepted you just because of a 4.0 GPA instead of a 3.85.
PS. imo, having a slightly bad stat (3.85 isn’t even bad) adds a little bit of flavor to an app as long as everything else is good. It makes you stick out.