<p>So I'm only a Sophomore and I believe I may have messed up! My freshman year I got 5 As and 2 Bs and this year I think I'm going to end up with 1 B and 6 As. I feel like my Bs will have messed me up so early for schools like UVa, W&M, penn state, and Maryland (live in VA). I really want to get into to those so I am planning on taking 9 AP/IB classes over my Junior and Senior year and get all As in them. The only one I'm really worried about is Apush because only about 5 people get an A each year. So if I do what I'm planning, I will end high school with a 3.8uw. I'm hopeing the upward trend will help!!</p>
<p>Any more advice? Did I mess up? </p>
<p>You didn’t mess up. A 3.8 is an excellent GPA. Continue doing well and study for your SATs.</p>
<p>You’ll be fine for Penn State. </p>
<p>You’re fine. Stop stressing out. You should have 8 AP classes total with no grade below a B. Your academic interests should lead you to create a schedule that reflects both rigor and coherence.
For Penn state, 2/3 decision is your GPA and you need a minimum of 3.4 although more is recommended. Be aware that OOS costs at Penn State and UMD are very high ($45,000/year, no financial aid) so talk with your parents to see if they’d be interested.
W&M is VERY different from UVA, Penn state, and UMD - closer to UChicago, Reed, Columbia. Look at fit. Go visit different colleges in VA.</p>
<p>Colleges don’t mind a few slip-ups, especially if your transcript shows that you are actively trying to correct them. If you do what you want in those AP classes, you will be more than fine. Study hard for your SATs/ACTs. Don’t forget to get in some extracurriculars, show leadership, and hone your writing skills - honestly this stuff matters as much or more than your transcript/test scores, especially when it comes to getting scholarship money.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>B’s are not low grades unless you’re aiming to be valedictorian. 3.8 unweighted is far above the average for high school students, and will look very good to the schools you’re applying to. As the poster above me mentioned, just make sure that the other parts of your application are competitive.</p>
<p>You’ll be fine; a couple Bs won’t hurt. </p>