Hey guys.
So long story short, I did not do so hot my freshman year of high school, and am wondering if my chances of getting into the Ivy League, U Michigan, or other top 20s like Boston College are over. I took one honors class (English), my freshman year and got a 74, along with a 71 in Algebra 1. The rest of my grades were above 86. I am taking no honors or AP classes this year, and am ending the year with mostly Bs, and a C- in chemistry. It seems I will only have 2 As on my transcript for sophomore year. However, next year, my junior year, I am taking AP CS Principles and Music Theory. Along with Physics. Is there a chance to redeem myself. Or did my freshman grades break my chances? Thanks!
Besides the Ivys, can I still get into Villanova, Notre Dame, or Baylor? Or am I done for. My aunt and two cousins went to Villanova, BTW. Could that help my chances?
I think you’re going to need to focus on less selective colleges. Princeton doesn’t consider freshman year grades. However, with only two A’s and no honors+ level classes in sophomore year, those acceptances to “Top 30” colleges are not going to happen. Junior year is important, but the successful applicants are going to have four great years in very rigorous classes on their transcripts.
Rather than prestige hunting, focus on doing the best you can. The quality of the education you receive is going to largely depend on your own efforts, not the “brand name” of the college. You’ll find your fit if you are realistic and do your research carefully.
Well you will have a uphill climb, not impossible but you are in pretty big hole.It seems both your 9th and 10th grades are not gonna help you, what is your GPA? Have you taken the PSAT? if so what did you score. Gotta be honest I do not see any chance for the IVY’s without a hook. The other top 20 schools doubtful unless you are a Full Pay family and ace the standard test and get your grades way up, like straight A’s.
Nearly all acceptances to top 20 colleges (and BC) are top decile of their HS class. And top decile requires A’s in honors & AP courses. Otherwise, a big hook is required, such as athletics. Even with an athletic hook, unless Olympic caliber, no chance at any of the schools on your list. Sorry.
Speak with your counselor to develop a more reasonable list. Good luck.
That’s going to be a tough climb but if you take harder classes and score well (High B’s are sufficient) you could pull off good public schools or some below top 20 private schools. You can compensate with lots of APs (With good exam scores!) and a very high SAT (needs to be 1450+). Worth a shot at one of two (if you really amp it up junior and sr year, you could try to ED into a school like Villanova or Notre Dame or William & Mary).
If not, you’re going to struggle to get into state schools tbh
What are my chances of Michigan if I get that uphill climb?
I still have no chance even if I do have a massive uphill climb? What if I have a good explanation for those grades?
Nerd- here’s my take- every minute you spend worrying about college right now instead of focusing on your school work is a wasted minute. Every calorie you expend trying to figure out how to get into Michigan is a calorie you’re not spending on your school work.
Forget about college for now. Job 1 is to be the best “Average Nerd” you can possibly be, not to torture yourself about how to get into BC or worrying about your legacy status at Villanova.
What is the “best Average Nerd”? You tell us. Doing well in school. Spending time on the EC’s you care about, or the causes you are involved in, time with your family, volunteering, or whatever floats your boat.
There will be a college (likely a list of colleges) that would be thrilled to have you as a student. I’m sure there are good explanations for your grades, but put that aside for now. Worrying about college is likely taking time away from things like studying for your chem final. So do that- study for your chem final.
Come back in a year and we can help you come up with a great list of colleges.