<p>When will you get 1st quarter grades? Yes, likely wise to wait, unless LOR and essay could be strong enough without…but upward trend is better (as other poster noted). Definitely apply to several safety schools you’d be comfortable attending. </p>
<p>Grad school is where you REALLY want to hit the big time schools with the top-ranked professors, so don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t work out now. Just think of it as having 4 years to practice for what you’re truly shooting for. Either way, it’ll work out! :)</p>