Bad sophomore year grades?

Applying to College
1

This year has been extremely stressful for me. My aunt died and my cousin was arrested for a terrible crime no one knew he was committing and it really took a toll on me and my grades. I was looking at schools like Penn State, U of Miami and NYU before but I’m really scared now that my grades this year are going to mess me up. Here are my first semester sophomore grades:
P.E. - 98
Honors Chemistry - 80
Orchestra - 97
French III - 81
Honors English - 95
AP U.S. History - 90
Honors Algebra II - 79

My freshman year grades were all As except an 89 in French II, but I know a lot of colleges don’t care as much about them as they do sophomore/
junior year grades. If it helps, I do loads of ECs and I play tennis on the Varsity team (I’m not good enough for DI, but possibly could play DII without a scholarship or DIII). Could you help tell me if I have a chance at getting into any of my dream schools now that my grades are messed up? Thanks so much in advance.

2

First of all, those are not all that bad.
Secondly, take challenging classes Junior year and do well.
Thirdly, you can use your common app essay to address these issues or your GC can in their recommondation or there is a part in the common app where you can let them know about special circumstances.
Fourth, do awesomely on the SAT and I think you will be fine.

3

Those grades aren’t bad at all. You have two more years to pick it up, and you can possibly explain/tie in the reasoning on your future application in either the essay or the explanation section of the Common App.

4

I wouldn’t worry that much. And I’m sorry you had a not so awesome year in your personal life :slight_smile: Those grades are fine! Make sure to get good grades this semester and junior year. Junior year is FAR more important in college applications.

But definitely make sure to talk with your counselor about what is going on so that they can also explain in their letter.

It’s good that you’re starting to look around in your sophomore year! You’re already ahead of the game.

5

Thanks everyone! Sorry for the late response by the way. :slight_smile: