<p>Hi everyone, i am new here and this is my first post...
I was just wondering what happens if i do poorly in gr. 9 and do better in grades 10-12? What colleges do not take into account these marks? I really want to try to do well so that i can make it to the top schools...</p>
<p>From what I know, I think UCs (University of California) don't really care that much about 9th grade. They focus more on 10th and 11th grade GPAs. In fact, their GPA system only includes 10th and 11th grade classes.</p>
<p>Do you think i still have a chance at the other schools like Columbia if i can increase my marks?</p>
<p>Absolutely! Many colleges really LOVE to hear a turn around story. If you can have A's the rest of your high school career it will help a lot. And for your essays, throw something in like you were partying every night, but since have made a complete turn around and found passion. That is just about as good as being homeless. Iv'e seen a boy be expelled for shop lifting and go to Yale. i know a girl who failed 9th grade and got into Harvard. Top schools really do care about someones character, not their mistakes.</p>
<p>Thanks alot!!!</p>
<p>Most colleges don't care about freshman grades; many, like the UCs, don't use it to calculate GPA, but do look at them. If you improve significantly and get straight As or close to it sophomore and junior years, you should have a great shot at top schools, but remember that grades aren't what get you in.</p>
<p>U of Michigan does not include freshman grades in their recalculated GPA.</p>
<p>What counts isn't how good you are from the start. It's the progress you make, and where you finish that counts.</p>
<p>Make sure you do your best at school. You have about two years to learn about yourself, find your passion/goal for the future, and work your way up.</p>
<p>Personally, I say you should work hard on your sophmore year plans. Try to get a chapter or two ahead in each subject, or get a private tutor to help you if you aren't capable of self studying your subjects.</p>
<p>Research anything that your interested in. This is the time to explore and learn.</p>
<p>If you can maintain a 95 average by the February of your junior year, you should have as good a chance as anybody.</p>
<p>My advice: Explore the various majors and fields (you have two years, take your consideration slowly and prudently), do your best in school and try to get ahead of the class in your subjects, fight to be pushed to an advanced class if a current class isn't challenging enough, and have fun.</p>
<p>Good luck to you ^_^</p>
<p>Two other top schools that don't count 9th grade in admission decisions are Princeton and Stanford.</p>
<p>Best of success.</p>
<p>Hey man, don't worry about it. Be sure to do great in 10th, 11th and 12th grade!</p>
<p>Be sure to take rigorous classes, enough in which you know you can handle.</p>
<p>If you have a passion, explore it more and be sure to do lots of Extracurriculars.</p>
<p>Don't let 9th grade take you down. Its only the beginning!</p>
<p>Thanks for all your helpful advice!!!</p>