<p>I'm a sophomore in a public high school. I know for sure that I want to apply to Princeton University. However, my GPA is so low (Princeton, you have to have at least 4.2). If I get all A's this year, I calculated it and it's only 3.8 weighted. I'm taking AP World History this year, and I'm planning to take AP English Language, AP American History, and AP Chemistry.
I don't think taking those AP classes will bring up my GPA to 4.2 by the time I apply for early decision...
Does anyone have recommendations of what I should do? I heard I can take extra classes at a nearby college. Would that help my GPA? Would you recommend this?
Also, if I go to a summer program, like the Harvard Secondary School Program, I heard it gives college credits. Would that be like an AP course, and will it add to my GPA? </p>
<p>Since I’m a sophomore as well I will tell you that it is smart what you are trying to do getting into Princeton University. I think the only way to take college classes at a local community college is taking dual enrollment,but I think you would have to pass the PERT Exam first see if you are qualify, ask your guidance counselor see what you would have to do to take those kind of classes. What classes did you took in your freshmen year? Also what classes are you taking now?</p>
<p>1) you’re mistaken that one needs to have a 4.2 GPA to be accepted at Pton</p>
<p>2) viable applicants that I have met and interviewed for select schools are not obsessing about 'What do I need to boost my GPA" as 10th graders. They are simply outstanding and schools like HYP are natural extensions- – not some brass ring coveted as a 15 or 16 yr old. Don’t fetishize a name. You know nothing about schools with similar offerings. Those who actually get admitted are the types who, IMHO, are already on a trajectory to do great things. Ironically, they are the kind of person who doesn’t need a degree from a selective college and they’ll still be accomplished. Is this the type of person you see yourself as being?</p>
<p>3) and to obsess over a school with a 6-7% admit rate flies against all logic</p>
<p>Even if you had an unweighted GPA, and hwever high weighted, you would still not be guaranteed admission to Princeton or any number of other highly selective colleges. The fact that you think you need a 4.2 suggests you have not done your research - Princeton does not have a “minimum” GPA for admission. The higher yours is, the better your chance, but there are many other factors, including SAT scores, and extra-curricular activities. he student with perfect grades in the hardest classes, who does little other than studying won’t get it. </p>
<p>Whether or not extra college classes would boost your GPA would depend entirely on how your school handles them. In some cases, they will count toward your GPA, but they won’t be weighted (how exactly are they supposed to weight them - you could take a class equivalent to an AP course, or you could take Basket Weaving 101). At most high schools, they won’t factor into you GPA at all, though they can help your chance of admission. But unless you’ve run out of classes to take at your HS, you’re better off concentrating on other aspects of your application.</p>
<p>@CTScoutmom Oh sorry, I didn’t mean to say that Princeton’s requirement GPA was 4.2. I meant to say that is what I want to get.
My extra-curriculars are strong, I have good leadership positions in them. </p>
<p>I was thinking of taking an extra math or science course at a nearby college-- something I’m actually interested and passionate about.</p>