Do I Still Have a Shot at Top Colleges?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Basically, I didn't do so hot on my GPA freshman year (around 3.4 or 3.5) - mostly out of laziness - so do I still have a chance at getting into a top school? I've improved a lot this year (sophomore year) - 3.8 GPA first quarter - so if I continued improving over the course of high school, would I have a shot? I know it's a little too early to get my heart set on a particular college, but I've been thinking Columbia or Georgetown (Georgetown is probably a bit more feasible, but dream big I suppose). Is there anything I can do to increase my chances (other than the obvious "improve grades"), or am I being unrealistic? Granted, I plan on doing well in school and studying hard no matter what...I just want to know if I've doomed myself to all ivies with my freshman GPA. Please be honest! Don't worry about offending me!</p>

<ul>
<li>I know GPA isn't the only thing that factors into the admission process...it just makes me nervous how most Ivy applicants have 4.0 unweighted GPAs, which is impossible to get after having anything less than that in previous years. I'm involved in a lot of extra-curriculars (thespians, tri-m honors, tennis, quiz bowl, etc.) and some other random volunteer stuff. I'm also taking a few APs, and plan on taking a lot more the next two years</li>
</ul>

<p>Thanks for the input! Very helpful :)</p>

2

<p>Top test scores can help offset mediocre grades. Also, since the bad grades came frosh year, they will not count as much so long as the rest of your years are stellar. Work on standing out in one of your ECs.Oh yes, take the toughest courses possible. If you can take cal b/c junior year do so, take physics C, take both AP english classes, pursue the same language all four years.</p>

3

<p>What do you consider a top school? Different “top” schools will have different attitudes regarding the importance of freshman grades.</p>