I just finished my freshmen year in high school and got all A’s & B’s but I got one C+ one semester for one class. I want to get into a good college but am worried this can poorly effect that. I have done a lot of extra curriculars/clubs/volunteer work also.
Grades and test scores matter more than ECs. The C+ is not great, but figure out to keep from getting more. Get extra help in that area next year. Take a less intense track if one is offered for that subject.
yes u did, some schools do not calculate grades from 9th grade (UCs), but im guessing those b’s and that c+ will hurt ur gpa. u should strive for all a’s and good sat/act cuz that’s all that matters. ecs are also important if u plan to apply to top schools (hyp, mit, caltech, etc).
Don’t worry! Make sure you maintain straight As during the rest of high school. Most schools will only care about grades during Sophomore and Junior year. Consider yourself lucky because the UC system doesn’t count 9th grade, so you have sophomore and junior year to shine. But Ivy leagues may look at all grades so beware! Start looking at your dream schools early and hit the requirements to get in so you don’t stress out. Best of Luck!
Most LACs and private universities will look at all grades, even if UC’s and CSU’s will not. They will however check that you took a-g classes and those grades count in your class rank.
What matters is
1° think back: what did you do wrong? did you not understand something and didn’t dare ask a teacher? Did you not realize how deep in your were till it was too late? Did you hope it’d get better on its own so you wouldn’t need a tutor? Did you skip some assignements? Did you avoid doing extra credit? Did you not participate enough? Did you cram rather than work every day?
2° what will you do now?
And be careful how you define good school. There are many great schools not in the top 20 on popular ranking lists.
you did not… even if you graduate with a 3.0 or below, there are MANY viable educational paths available. If you want to attend a competitive school, @intparent is right, a high GPA and SAT beats a bunch of ECs. Someone with a 4.0 and no ECs beats someone with a 3.2 and a team captain and class president… That said, engaging in school activities provides non-academic benefits (and fun), just be judicious. Focus on your GPA by working hard and smart… Class selection is another biggie. Take classes in which you will do well - lots of kids sign up for 5 APs trying to dig out of a perceived hole - only to fail one or more while having a nervous breakdown.
Do your best and try to enjoy the ride - make a point of having fun. You will never be a teenager again.
Good luck
I just finished my Frosh year and I got a 4.0. Mid semester I had 1 C and 1 B-, and I just worked my a** to fix them and I did. Next year is a new year, and try and work really hard.