Do I still have a chance at an ivy after poor first semester freshman grades?

Applying to College
1

<p>My freshman first semester were not the best, and currently I have 5 weeks left till second semester ends. First semester I got a 3.0, not because I was "lazy" but was going through a hard time with the family( sister is special ed. so we had a lot of bullying problems and stuff so it caused a problem, and my dad got really sick), and I just couldn't manage all my honors classes. I've been working really, really hard and brought all my grades up at least a whole letter grade. I've decided to change my life around, and am wondering if I'm ruined or do I still have a chance(academic wise)? </p>

<p>Thanks :) </p>

2

<p>Not to worry. An upward trend is good, as long as you do well otherwise.</p>

3

<p>In your college essays, you can explain why you did poorly first semester. You should be fine. And remember, Ivy’s aren’t the only options. </p>

4

<p>You’re not ruined. Bulk up the rest of your transcript w/rigorous classes and a huge majority of As and you’ll have many college options. But know in advance that the super selective schools (with >15% accept rate – are rationally, nothing to be counted on, by anyone). </p>

<p>Also, I firmly disagree with the above poster about using one of your one or two personal statements to try to explain away that semester. You have VERY limited space in an app to tell about your self. Don’t waste it trying to excuse away that 3.0 semester – that’s left for your GC to comment upon.</p>