<p>A friend of mine has strict parents that are pushing her into a HYPS. However, she has 4 B's and 2 A's (sophomore year) so they think it's the end of the world. I'm just worried because I am in a similar position. The only difference is that I have great EC's and she has almost none.</p>
<p>SOPHOMORE year? So far, it’s no big deal. Just as long as there’s a little improvement. Even if there isn’t, she can still be accepted. But if she has no ECs, a 4.0 won’t help her. You need all the parts for the magic to work.</p>
<p>JB not sure what you are smoking but the OP is asking about HYPS. In today’s climate, I don’t think 4 B’s (unless they were all weighted classes) and 2 As are going to make it in the highly competitive HYPS market.<br>
The better question is what schools would be a good fit for the OP and for her friend.</p>
<p>Alright, which colleges would still be noteworthy for these grades? Personally, I’m looking at Northwestern and Case Western. Keep in mind, I have great EC’s. (no kidding, esp because I’m only a sophomore) She is looking at University of Michigan.</p>
<p>So could we still make it? Additionally, we go to a rigorous Catholic School with tough-grading teachers. We take AP’s and honors. Those grades are unweighted.</p>
<p>No one here can answer your question. College admissions is expected to get increasingly competitive until about 2011 due to the size of the classes graduating from high school in the U.S.</p>
<p>As is the case with most public universities, it’s far easier getting into Michigan if one is instate than if one is out of state. </p>
<p>It’s also better to do your best in class while pursuing your natural interests in ECs, and then as a junior and senior look for colleges that match your interests and stats.</p>
<p>thanks for the advice! maybe i should focus more on the school rather than college until later</p>
<p>Northstarmom, what’s happening in 2011 that will make the field less competative?</p>
<p>Allegedly around 2011, the number of high school seniors in the U.S. will start decreasing because of the end of the echo boom (Babyboomer’s kids).</p>
<p>Agreeing with Northstarmom about the figures on the numbers of high school graduates (after all, the children we’re talking about have already been born), I’m less sure that the most selective colleges will be any less competitive than they are now after the number of high school seniors begins to decline. My daughter was born into high school class of 2021, and I expect things to be every bit as competitive for her, if she chooses to apply to HYPS, as they will be for my oldest son (high school class of 2010), who is still making up his mind where to apply. </p>
<p>As for the original question, the effect of a few grades of B depends ENORMOUSLY on what classes they are in. Has your friend taken any AP courses yet?</p>
<p>“Alright, which colleges would still be noteworthy for these grades? Personally, I’m looking at Northwestern and Case Western.”</p>
<p>If the GPA trend continues (3.33), and class rank is below top 15%, Northwestern is going to be a stretch (unless your hs is a competitive private or competitive public magnet). Case would be more of a match but not a sure bet. Concentrate on your junior year grades!</p>
<p>not true at all. I had a alot of B’s and see where I am :)</p>
<p>As one goes through this process, you come to the realization that there are MANY, MANY great schools and options for students of all calibers, including students w/ B averages (let a one a few Bs on the transcript). It takes some research and digging to figure out the best fits, but the college world does not end w/ HYPS. </p>
<p>There are literally hundreds of great schools. Someone w/ a few Bs and otherwise fine record and scores can get into most of those schools. </p>
<p>I know the OP focussed on HYPS, but maybe the lesson is that it is wise and a good thing to broaden your horizons to all the possibilities.</p>
<p>I suggest the OP get a book on admissions such as “Admission Matters” that covers college admissions and has a chapter focusing on fit. There is a sample chapter on the website at [Admission</a> Matters](<a href=“http://www.admissionmatters.com/]Admission”>http://www.admissionmatters.com/) that is especially appropriate because it comments on the herd mentality that focuses on the same handful of schools.</p>
<p>Tell your friend to work to get that GPA up for Michigan. Standards for admission are tougher for out-of-state applicants. I believe I saw on the CDS that the mean ACT for OOS applicants is 33.7 and the mean GPA is 3.94. And ECs are important as a tipping factor. I have a friend who’s sure that Song & Cheer helped D get admitted to Michigan. Also visiting twice and zeroing in on a particular major offered there.</p>
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<p>What kind of courses were the 'B’s in? What other academic or extracurricular strengths did your application reflect?</p>
<p>Firstly, we do go to a competitive private school. We are also both taking the most rigorous classes we can possibly take. One of our current classes is THE toughest class in our entire school. I believe our grades next year should be better. If I manage to get a 3.6, is this still noteworthy at NU? I am personally not looking at HYPMS whatsoever.</p>
<p>Is there any experience base with NU at your school?</p>
<p>“Firstly, we do go to a competitive private school.”</p>
<p>Good, you’re probably not in that bad of a shape. Your GC will actually be of some use, then, especially if they have some ‘experience base’ with NU. Get thee to thy guidence office and see if they can provide a gray book or scattergrams on admissions / rejections at various colleges for specific levels of GPA and test scores.</p>
<p>Mainly in math an science courses, but I excelled greatly in english, history, and debate. Basically, even though I knew I was nota great math student, I always took the most challenging classes I could, and I belive they understood that.</p>
<p>Sorry, but I’m not sure what you mean by experience base. We send students to NU each year. I pan on EDing and possiby attending a summer course there my summer of junior year (next year). </p>
<p>I always take the toughest classes I can so because they are availabel and I truly believe that I should take advantage of them. My true interest is science.</p>