Averages

<p>How much do Canadian percent grades matter? Do they still matter a lot after you get above 90? (Would top schools care/differentiate between a 94 vs. 97....95 vs. 97 and so on?). Do they take your school into context when they view your GPA?</p>

<p>I'm asking because I got my midterms marks and I was pleased except for a 93 in one subject. That is honestly the lowest mark I have ever gotten in a course, midterm or final. I am really stressed and disappointed because I thought for sure that I should have 95-96.</p>

<p>So, I'm hoping to bring it back up to that 95-96 range, but i want to know how much would top schools differentiate between a 93-97 average. </p>

<p>US schools just have GPA, but for us, we receive more accurate grades in the form of percentage. Like 90+ there is 4.0...no differentiating between that.</p>

<p>I had like 5 80s on my transcript, and I’m pretty sure I’m going to get an 80-something for grade 12 English, but I was usually at the top of the class or near the very top with most of these marks. Unless there’s someone else who has a way higher average than you, I wouldn’t worry about it.</p>

<p>You have nothing to worry about. Though I would be seriously worried if my child was feeling ‘stressed’ about a 93. I mean that quite seriously. And I’m worried for your wellbeing when you get to college.</p>

<p>^well, I know it sounds crazy, but really, this 93 is in the easiest course (or what should be my easiest course) this semester. No homework, fair quizes, no major tests thus far…and somehow I have this 93. I mean, every school has ‘bird’ or courses labeled as easy, and this is one of them…or at least it should be. I got 98 in this course last year (not the exact same one…but you know what I mean). </p>

<p>I have much higher marks in all my other 3 courses this semester, but the 93 drags my midterm average way down. </p>

<p>So, top US school absolutely do not care between averages over 93? Would a student with a 98 average for example, have a much better shot at a top school than a student with a 93 average (same all other stats, ECs, etc.)? How much of a difference does it make?</p>

<p>Also, my school is not renowned or anything, so I don’t have that aspect to tout in my application or anything. So, my grades have nothing to compare with for US school (i assume), so that’s why i figure that if I can’t even get high 90s at my school in all courses, then i have no shot at top schools…</p>

<p>“Also, my school is not renowned or anything, so I don’t have that aspect to tout in my application or anything. So, my grades have nothing to compare with for US school (i assume), so that’s why i figure that if I can’t even get high 90s at my school in all courses, then i have no shot at top schools…”</p>

<p>Please tell me you are joking man…
I even had a couple Bs on my transcript(in gr. 8 & 9) and I got in like half of my top schools… and you’re whining over a 93!!! Even if it was an easy course, a college won’t know that. May I ask what course was it?</p>

<p>@YaleRocks, it’s Spanish.</p>

<p>And why did you have gr.8 marks on your transcript?</p>

<p>And the 93 kills my average and might jeopardize my class rank. I am in top 1%, but my school doesn’t formally rank…but they could very easily come up with a rank since they give out awards at the end of the year for highest avg., etc. So, I don’t wanna lose that rank either because it’s one of the few things I have going for me.</p>

<p>Sorry if this sounds way too whiny, but I am just pretty confused and lost and do not know how much top US schools even care about averages…</p>

<p>Viggy, seriously, don’t worry. 90+ is nothing to stress about. I used to stress about my mark until I realize my school doesn’t even claim it ranks on the common app.</p>

<p>Viggy, my HS transcript contains gr.8 marks because in BC HS begins in Gr. 8, not gr.9.
Ahh Spanish, nothin to worry about. I would only worry if it was like a B in mandarin and you spoke mandarin as your first language. Now THAT would indicate serious deficiency.</p>

<p>^lol, aha. Yea, I’m South Asian, so Spanish is nowhere near my native language.</p>

<p>Also, nirvanatear, wow, i thought all schools could come up with a rank. like, or at least something close. i am gonna get a guidance appointment to talk about it with my GC and talk about other stuff too.</p>

<p>But class rank does matter a lot right? (if your schools ranks)</p>

<p>^yes it matters, but some schools don<code>t rank (I think mine didnt) and colleges know that and won</code>t use it against u.</p>

<p>Take a chill pill, dude.</p>

<p>(I’ve always wanted to say/post that!)</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>So you actually go to a canadian public school that provides rank on your transcript? </p>

<p>And how does this ‘kill your average’? If you’ve had say 8 courses across 4 years with say a 96% average…a 93 does not change your overall average!</p>

<p>Get a grip Viggy, seriously. You know, there is a reason that US schools look at things like ECs, essays, and so forth. They are not simply interested in perfectionistic grinders; they are looking for students who also have maturity, character, intellectual curiosity, someone who will be a leader of the future. Do you really think your thinking here fits the bill?</p>

<p>simply put, if u have a 91 average, dont expect any ivies.</p>

<p>^Absolutely not true at all. I can think of numerous of exceptions to this in the past year alone.</p>

<p>^ I hope that absolutely not true = =
I really like the sound of Brown, and will visit this summer. </p>

<p>My average right now, however, is far from satisfactory, sitting somewhere around 89~91…</p>

<p>But what if the teachers are really hard markers? A teacher in our school only gives out marks below 85 and we are not allowed to do ‘teacher-shopping’.</p>

<p>Well, unless your GC mentions it, you’ll be at a disadvantage.</p>

<p>@happysunshine & hinderpanda
I know what you mean cos my school has quite a few hardmarkers. However, it is ok as long as you specify your ranking to admission. I got my ranking a few months back even though my school doesnot rank (needed it for summer camp applications). If you ask, your school WILL rank you.</p>

<p>My understadning re this whole Canadian gpa issue is that gpa alone does not tell much, really. Mine is 91.5 so far, and whenever people hear it, they say I should do better. But then the second they hear my rank (top2-3%), they say it is more than good enough for ivies. I attend a crazy competitive public school that is very focused in academics with 1,200 students in 3 grades, and, in many many courses, average score is low 70s! (Talk about hardmarkers!!) Seriously, before I got my ranking I was very very bitter cos it was impossible to get anywhere above 95 which some friends at other schools WERE getting. But I do not worry now.</p>

<p>It is ‘ranking’ and ‘school demographics’ that add meaning to your ‘gpa’. Do find out your ranking if you think your school is a toughie, if not, don’t. :)</p>

<p>Haha prjiki, you think low 70s is bad - it is common at my school for the class average to be 65! But it’s not because it’s a super intense school, actually the opposite. I’ve realized the emphasis on academics here is very lax compared to many others schools. </p>

<p>Although we do have one EXTREMELY hard marker in math and physics. Data management had 25 students to start this semester, there’s 5 left and the average is in the 50s!</p>

<p>Viggy Ram - what province do you go to high school? It concerns me that you are worried about a 93% avg or whatever it is, seeing as mine is hovering around 90 like hinderpanda’s. I am applying to Columbia in the fall.</p>

<p>^Ontario. </p>

<p>and OK everyone, thanks for clearing it up. I’m not stressed anymore. gonna focus on SAT now.</p>