<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I am currently a freshman (this being my first week of school), and am wondering how hard it would be to maintain an "All A" GPA throughout high school. If this lowers does it significantly decrease chances of getting into Ivy League or top percentage schools?</p>
<p>Thanks,
Luke</p>
<p>Hmm. </p>
<p>How hard is your school? </p>
<p>What kind of classes are you taking? </p>
<p>How good of a student are you?</p>
<p>How motivated are you?</p>
<p>You and the people around you are the best judges, not anonymous posters on CC. And yes, your GPA plays a huge role in the admissions process.</p>
<p>My school for the most part doesn’t seem hard - yet. I am taking all gifted and AP classes where applicable, a year ahead in Spanish, and taking NJROTC. I try to have the best work ethic and motivation I can possibly have as well as having extracurriculars (swim team, rotc).</p>
<p>There’s more to a college than just prestige. You shouldn’t want to get into a certain school just because of prestige.</p>
<p>I’m not saying that, I just want to get a good education that will get me eventually a good job. I strive to do the best I can.</p>
<p>You can get a good education at many colleges. Prestige doesn’t mean the school is right for you. The Ivies are incredible different and your preferences dont mean that all (or even any) could be the right “fit” for you. </p>
<p>You’re approaching the college process all wrong if you’re doing everything you can to get into an Ivy or “most prestigious” school you can.</p>
<p>How should I approach it then?</p>
<p>Find schools that are a good fit for you and have a strong program for what you are interested in. Personally I am planning to apply ED to a school that most people at my school/in general are not familiar with (it is competitive, but small). As for the 4.0, it can be done, it also depends on your work ethic and how hard your classes are. Personally I have not maintained a 4.0, that being said I don’t feel that there are really any schools that I think if I applied to I would be rejected by due to my GPA (well probably Harvard and Stanford). Focus on doing well, but don’t let school take over your life. Get involved in EC’s and don’t go back onto CC until you are a junior (you will just stress yourself out).</p>
<p>It really does depend on your school. My school is the 4th best private school in the nation, and no one leaves with above a 3.85 GPA (we don’t even have GPAs here, but the college counselor calculates them). A 4.0 is not necessarily as important for getting into a top college as having really unique EC’s centered around your major, and writing eye-catching essays. Thousands of students across America have 4.0s, so GPA alone won’t get you into a top college. My advice is to take the most vigorous classes possible and work hard. If you take extremely difficult courses, your GPA doesn’t have to be a 4.0. Remember to focus just as much on having fabulous EC’s. Start now!</p>
<p>From my experience, it’s all about dedication and motivation. There are some, what I call, “naturally smart” kids who get the highest scores on their SAT’s but have the lowest GPA’s just because they lack in those two. It’s all about doing the best of your ability (or at least it is for me.) Oh and like others previously stated, have a good balance between EC’s and school, only focusing and trying to take all AP’s offered will make you go insane- I learned that the hard way. Also no, a couple B’s are not going to trample your Ivy League dreams. There is way more that is considered during the application process than just grades: SAT/ACT scores, extracurriculars, volunteer service, leadership ability, etc…</p>
<p>Plus, you’re a freshman, don’t fret right now. Make the most of that almost stress-free time that you have!</p>
<p>If you care enough, and want it enough, and study enough you can maintain a 4.0. But if you want to get into a really good school, you’ll have to do all that in really hard classes.</p>
<p>Approach college admissions by finding the schools that best fit you. </p>
<p>Financially (the most important part), academically, socially, etc. Size? Location? Quality of department for your intended major? Greek life? Athletics? Extra-curricular opportunities? Research opportunities on campus? Focus on undergrad or not? </p>
<p>These factors are more important to finding the right fit than prestige.</p>