<p>Hi. How badly can a lower gpa hurt you? During first semester sophomore year, I overloaded with ecs/sports and all advanced/honors classes without a prep. I had 5 B's and 2 A's but an A in PE doesn't really count. For sophomores my school only has one or two honors weighted classes, French 3H. the rest of the honors level classes like English and Math are labelled "advanced" and don't get weighted. But my UC gpa for first semester is 3.333. Does that completely screw over my chances when applying for UC's like berkeley? My PSAT score was a 220 and I am really good at standardized tests, i'm just really worried about my GPA. For second semester, i'm doing a lot better and should have either a 3.7 or 3.8. How big a role does gpa play in college admissions? It has always been my greatest ambition to get into berkeley. i hope that i can boost up my gpa with straight a's next year.
Thanks so much. I appreciate any responses.</p>
<p>A lower GPA will probably hurt; it, along with rigor of course load and essays, is the most important factor in Berkeley's admissions. However, having an upward trend is good, and if you can maintain straight As, you should be okay.</p>