Class Rank

Soooo… just completed my Junior Year and my class rank dropped. Went from 7/281 to 9/281. This isn’t because my GPA went down. It actually went UP but it didn’t go up as much as it could have because I got a B in apush, and I guess others’ increased by more.

My expectation was that my rank would increase, so this may change some of my plans.

The main thing is, should I still apply to my top school (Columbia) Early Decision? Or should I wait one semester to boost my GPA/Rank, build my resume, etc and then apply Regular Decision?

For some context, my school doesn’t really send students to schools like these, but a student at the neighboring school (he was ranked 1/400) got accepted to Columbia early decision for the class of 2023, so it’s clearly possible from here.

Thanks!

Side question-- will that B in APUSH affect me too much? I had never gotten a B before until that one, and I’m worried that since its junior year (which i’ve been told is the most critical year) it may jeopardize me. This is also another reason why I feel like I should skip out on Early Decision and wait one semester to have another half a year to show on my transcript.

Going from 7 to 9 won’t make a difference. Also does your HS calculate GPA on a semester basis? Ours does not so the GPA you start with junior year is what gets submitted regardless of time of year you apply.

Do the math. 9/281 is top 3%. No college will reject you because you were top 3% and not top 2%. They may reject you for other (usually unknown) reasons.

The change in rank should not impact your decision of when to apply. One semester in your situation will not appreciably impact your GPA.If Columbia is your top choice and you family is comfortable not being able to compare FA decisions, apply ED.

yes, @collegemom9 school calculates GPA/rank per semester.

@skieurope you’re right. and yes my family earns within the margin in which to receive substantial financial aid from columbia, more aid than my state school (UVA).