<p>I just feel so bad every time I come on here really! I'm a Sophomore taking no AP classes, (I could have but I hate History) in one club, (F.F.A) have only 3 EC's (Choir, Piano, and a Veterinary Internship) and actually get B's and got a C in high school (AB Physics). Also to the users on here, my classes are considered 'easy':</p>
<p>My classes: Honors Chemistry (A), Honors Algebra II (B), Honors English 10 (A), and Pre-Vet Small Animal (A).</p>
<p>I swear, if I ever say rate this schedule, your answers would be: "3", "A 2, for CC standards" and "1, what are you dumb?," and maybe a 4 if I'm lucky. I feel like an outcast sometimes; students taking AP's Freshman year, taking classes at a community college, &c. I work hard to earn my grades, and I love what I do, but it just seems like everyone is just 10 steps ahead. </p>
<p>Am I the only one? Any one else average?</p>
<p>I’m average. I’m only taking 1 AP class as a junior. Most CCers would claim the rigor of my schedule deplorable. My schedule would definitely be a 1. People are definitely ahead at CC. Don’t worry. Despite all this craziness, you WILL go to college. People say I’m fairly intelligent at my school, but at CC, I’m below average. You’re not the only one.</p>
<p>Also, I don’t know how I feel about so many 4.0 at other schools. When I compare my school to those of others, I feel like my school has some serious grade deflation, or others’ practice grade inflation. At my school, absolutely no one has a 4.0. My school’s valedictorian has a cum GPA about 3.92ish. 3.7-3.8 is considered a very good GPA. How does everyone at CC have a 4.0?</p>
<p>I’m definitely normal. My SAT is sub-par with everyone in my family and my grades aren’t the most stellar. I got a C last year because my teacher weighted all of the grades WITH THE SMARTEST KID IN CLASS. I actually EARN them though hard studying. I stay after school for tutoring. I usually never get A’s on tests (except math)/ I haven’t taken any APs during froshman and sophomore year. I go to public school. My school doesn’t send 10 kids to ivy league. </p>
<p>And JefferyJung, are you serious? You consider yourself below average? You are seriously the reason why my SAT writing score increased by 100 points. So I thank you!</p>
<p>I don’t even know how 4.0 gaps are possible. I mean, you didn’t make ONE SINGLE MISTAKE in that class? Come on.</p>
<p>
Yes. That’s how I see it. I don’t have anything close to a 4.0, a research intern at some prestigious institution, experience at a prestigious summer program, or even 4 AP classes or IB programs. I feel inferior to many CCers; I ruminate on whether I’ll make it to college. Then, I go to school and realize that I don’t need these ridiculous resumes to go to college.</p>
<p>
Well, the way I understand it is this: the grading system is very different.</p>
<p>At my school, A is 95-100. Therefore, earning a 4.0 GPA requires nearly no mistake. I understand that at some schools A is from 90-100. This would definitely make getting a 4.0 much easier.</p>
<p>No. I know it seems like the majority of the posters on this site are geniuses, but you’re definitely not the only average one. In fact, I would assume your schedule is harder than mine considering you’re in Honors Chem but that’s beside the point. </p>
<p>I think most of the posters in HSL are the really really smart ones, but if you look in other forums, like chance threads or decision topics in top 20-50 colleges, you’ll probably find students with stats much more similar to yours.</p>
<p>Whew~ It does seem like geniuses run this site.</p>
<p>This site made me put on my try-hard pants. It made me work extra hard to be unique and take all those AP classes (while maintaining a 4.0 UW).</p>
<p>FantasyVesperia,</p>
<p>You are smart to be on this site whether you consider yourself average or not (and remember, nothing is set in stone until the end of junior year; a good junior year can make so-called “average students” into viable candidates for very prestigious schools). This site has lots of great information about many different types of schools – just avoid the Harvard v. MIT v. Cal Tech threads (lol). </p>
<p>The other thing is there are many wonderful colleges in this country that cater to average students,and many of those students have great outcomes (see book – Colleges that Change Lives). Do not focus exclusively on the reputation/prestige of a school. This is important (mostly due to the opportunity to interact with lots of other smart students and great professors). But in my view, it is not as important in the real world as other things like performance on your first job in your field of interest, who you know (ie networking), and where you go to grad school (if you take that option).</p>
<p>Also, not taking an AP until junior year is fine, even if you want to try a top college, just make sure to take 3 or 4 junior year and try and do well on the AP exams (sending AP 5’s to schools can make up for ok SAT scores).</p>
<p>In any event, as a sophomore, I suggest you read posts about the colleges in your area and others you are interested in. You will learn a lot about the pros/cons of schools ranging form the top privates to large public schools. Also, no rush to make choices on where you might want to apply. I would focus now on broader issues such as big v. small, city v. suburb v. rural, cost, area of country, science/math or liberal arts. This will narrow down your college list so you can hone in on the one of most interest junior year.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>