Am I on the right track to get into the American University?

Chance Me / Match Me!
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<p>I'm a freshman currently going to a small <em>underprivileged</em> high school in WA state. I know that I want to major in International Relations and minor in German (and maybe another language heh). I really would love to go to school in DC and American University seems perfect.</p>

<p>I know it's hard to determine where I'm at because I'm a little freshman and I don't have any of my test scores or anything but I'm just really stressing out right now because of my GPA so I just want to hear from people (and everyone on this website is really smart about this kind of stuff, I need you).</p>

<p>9th grade: my overall GPA is going to be around a 3.2-3.3.
I know, terrible terrible start. I'm just saying, a LOT went on this year and it was just beyond stressful. My parents also made me take the most rigorous classes available, which aren't rigorous by College Confidential standards but it was a lot for me. My classes were: Biology, Honors Freshman English, Algebra 1, German 1, PE/Health (required), and AP World History. </p>

<p>I got one C and that was first semester Algebra 1. :/</p>

<p>10th grade: I'm studying abroad for an entire year in Taiwan with ASSE. Pretty excited for that, I know it's going to "mess up" my application but I'm in it for the experience and the Mandarin. :)</p>

<p>11th grade: I'm going to continue German, self study for AP classes, take CWP and AP US History simultaneously. Projected GPA is a 3.9. Going to be taking afterschool Mandarin classes because it isn't offered at my school. </p>

<p>12th: AP, AP, AP, AP and German also. GPA goal is 3.9</p>

<p>Extra curricular: </p>

<p>FBLA: Been active since 7th grade.
2nd place, 5th place, 5th place at regionals. 3rd at state. Competing at Nationals this June! Going to run for Washington State President my junior year. If I get it, which I think i can, that'd be awesome.
Science Olympiad: 2nd regionals. 5th at state. Will hold an officer position sometime.
German club: member, hoping to be secretary or something junior year.
Getting a part time job at Boys and Girls club of America
By the end of high school have 300+ volunteer hours at the food bank </p>

<p>Anyone who knows about American, will they automatically reject me when they see my freshman grades? Am I sort of on the right track? Thanks </p>

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<p>I screwed up high school pretty bad so before I want to give you some advice if you want to take it. For your senior year try to become president of your german club. Universities love to see leadership positions. For your junior year you mentioned secretary but try to become VP if you can. </p>

<p>Make sure you know how many AP classes will transfer! A friend of mine took practically every AP exam available and they didn’t all transfer because there were to many units. Granted he did get accepted (and is currently attending) Harvard University, but just be careful. AP classes show that you will be able to handle the college curriculum but to show that make sure you not only get 4&5’s on the exams but get A’s in the actual classes for them as well. </p>

<p>AP classes also give you an extra gpa point. So an A in an AP class will be a 5.0 not a 4.0. With all those AP classes you plan on taking you can probably get above a 4.0 which will make you competitive. </p>

<p>I wouldn’t stress to much over your freshman grades as long as you pick up the slack your other years. Make sure you stick to your plan and you should be fine :)</p>

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<p>Some colleges (i’m not sure about American) don’t even take into account freshman grades and they alone won’t determine whether or not you get into your top choices. However, I would say to continue taking the most challenging classes possible and to look for a hook (because your EC’s don’t really stand out).</p>

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<p>@pologirl13‌ the 3.9 projection would be the OP’s unweighted gpa. What you’re saying would be true on a 5 point weighted gpa scale.</p>

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<p>Come back in the end of junior year. You’re gonna drive yourself crazy by using it now</p>