Hi since freshman year for me is basically done, I was wondering what my chances of getting into an ivy league school were.
I had a 3.2 this year, but I moved schools in the middle and had a 4.0 at my old one. It took time to get adjusted so my GPA suffered, but I know I can do very well the next years, (taking honors for example)
I calculated it and if I got a 4.0 every year after freshman year I would have a 3.77, that seems pretty low for ivy though right? But on the other hand, I have a lot of good extracurriculars. I participate in all sorts of science competition and do a lot of science things, for example publishing books on science, lots of research, prestigious science things, and all sorts. I’m also currently in a competition to win a full ride scholarship and I think I have a solid chance of winning. And it isn’t even summer yet. Do you think if I write a really really good essay(which I think I’ll be able too with lots of help) can I get into an ivy? Thanks 
There isn’t enough information yet. So anything is still possible right now.
Why an ivy, though? “Ivy League” only means they don’t offer sports scholarships. That’s all there is to it. And there are some ivies that are not in the top 10. Some ivies are in big cities, some are in medium-size cities, and some are not in cities. Some are much more liberal than others. Some are better at business, and some are better at STEM. Some have required courses, others don’t. Some have more collaborative cultures, others tend to have students who work independently (lest their study buddies push them down the grade curve). It’s wonderful that you aspire to an ivy school, but do not assume they are all interchangeable.
Few freshman are even doing college research yet, so if you begin now, you will certainly have a leg up and find a great match for all possible scenarios. Good luck!
Huh yeah I see, I’d probably choose a big city and stem. Is it realistic to get into a t10 with a 4.0 every year after freshman?
We see many posts that say “I got a B- one time freshman year will I get into an Ivy…oh no my life is over”.
I think it is more productive not to have everyone think “I deserve to go to an Ivy and any point I lose on a test takes away from that”, but to say “I am going to put effort into my school work and go to the best school I can that matches my GPA/SAT.”
There are many 4.0/1600 students that don’t get into Ivys…there are too many of them and not enough slots so there is no guarantee.
However, there are about 2500 4-year colleges in the USA…there will be a college for you. You shouldn’t give up because you have a 3.77. That is still a pretty good GPA! Continue to do well in more challenging courses and colleges will see that you have what it takes to succeed in college.
It is way too early to think about specific colleges or a specific group of colleges (especially the hyper-competitive ones). You just have one full year’s GPA and you have no standardized testing. You also need to recognize that HS should be an experience in and of itself – a time of learning and growth and not just a 4 year college application prep experience.
It is good to take school seriously and know that college will be on your horizon, but it is too early to start planning for specific colleges. I would highly recommend that you get off of CC until your junior year.
For now you should focus on:
–Working hard, learning, and doing as well as you can in the most challenging curriculum you can manage.
–When the time comes study for standardized tests.
–Continue your involvement in activities you care about and work towards making meaningful contributions to those activities.
–Enjoying spending time with your family and friends.
When the time comes (junior year) honestly asses your academic stats (including GPA, standardized tests, course rigor) as well as your financial needs and apply to a wide range of reach, match, and safety schools that appear affordable (you will have to run a net price calculator for each school you consider) and that you would be excited to attend. You will need to expand your horizons and recognize that there are many wonderful schools out there where you can have a great 4 year experience and get where you want to go in life.
While I agree that it is way to early to chance Neuroguy on a top 10, I don’t think its ever too early in high school to come up with a long term plan and work towards being “the best version of yourself”.
Here is another thread from the “Chance Me” Forums, which I think you (Neuroguy) should read and ponder. This is a very talented and smart kid, but his story illustrates the importance of having a carefully thought out plan in place. And in between freshman and sophomore year is a great time to work on such a plan. Learn from this.
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/2084706-chances-at-top-cs-schools-with-a-low-gpa-but-unique-profile-p1.html
It really is too early to chance you. But I really do believe it helps you to be thinking about this early. Keep researching colleges, tour a couple if you can. Make sure when the time comes you have safeties and matches on your list. Type out a plan and adjust it as needed. Prepare for your standardized tests. Get a tutor the moment you realize you are struggling. And as Happy1 said, enjoy spending time with family and friends.