<p>I wanted to know what impact one bad semester (2.9 gpa), the first semester of 10th grade, would have on my early decision chances. I explained to my counselor and will include in my essay how major living changes (including boarding with a diff. family) were difficult to adjust to and basically messed up that semester. I had to transfer out for the second semester to rebound, and then I transfered back to my main school. All my other semesters I have over a 4 weighted gpa. Will this really negatively affect me, and will the adcom notice that it deviates from all the other semesters and brings down my cumulative? I do not want it to compromise my application obviously.</p>
<p>Unfortunately there is no real answer to this question. Since our Admissions review process is holistic and comprehensive, there is no way to predict how one’s chances would be impacted by one semester of grades. Decisions are not based on one or two factors in the application review, but rather involve every detail from the review of the transcripts, test scores, rec. letters, essays, resume, etc. etc. etc.</p>
<p>Your first semester of 10th grade will be reviewed, and I suspect the Admissions Counselor will question why that one semester does not match the other semesters. It would be helpful to have an explanation (especially from the guidance counselor) but how that will impact the overall review of your application can not be determined. Since you can’t go back and change anything … just apply and see what happens. </p>
<p>And just one other note … since you are new to the JHU Forums … I personally do not comment on questions of one’s chances for admission. Your question borderlines on such questions, but if you review past threads you will see that it is nearly impossible to judge one’s chances for admission without the thorough review of the complete application.</p>