<p>Obviously grades matter, but I think it's a truly terrifying reflection of the culture we have created surrounding college admissions that students actually think that answering two questions wrong on one test in their whole lives will make or break their future. =/</p>
<p>@LauraN: If they are at the point where merely 1-2 questions on an exam brings down most of their grades, I don't think they were doing two well to begin with. It's always a good thing to remember the psychology at play when considering the type of people who post questions like these on CC! </p>
<p>My reflection on college admissions: suck it up. The world isn't fair, and only the winners get to make up the rules!</p>
<p>Well this year 4 kids from my school got in, only 1 was top 10%
because to be in the top 10 percent you have to get straight A's, period. one B and you are out of the run. it's unweighted so it's actually not good measure of how good you are.</p>
<p>your best bet is to get as many A's as you can and also take hard classes.</p>
<p>but you can't really change your GPA, so don't bother with "what GPa you need to have" or "is ___ good enough or should i retake"
just apply, wait, and see.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Obviously grades matter, but I think it's a truly terrifying reflection of the culture we have created surrounding college admissions that students actually think that answering two questions wrong on one test in their whole lives will make or break their future. =/
[/quote]
Right, and I agree that a single grade isn't worth worrying over (particularly after it's impossible to do anything about it).</p>
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[quote]
The way I see it, you do your best to get the best grades you can possibly have.
And if those, (and not one of the numerous other factors) keeps you out of MIT, you weren't ready academically anyways.
[/quote]
well that depends on your school! and also, i didn't try my best...is that bad :p</p>
<p>Does MIT care about +s/-s?</p>