Do I still have a shot?

I’m a freshman, and I have skipped a grade in all the core subjects (math, science, english, social studies). My current classes are Pre-calculus, Honors Chemistry, Honors American Literature, and AP US History. However, I have received lower grades in several of these classes.

Quarter 1
Honors Pre-calculus: B-
Honors Chemistry: B-
HAL: A-
APUSH: A-

Quarter 2
Honors Chemistry: B
HAL: A-
APUSH: B+

Quarter 3
Honors Chemistry: B-
HAL: B+
APUSH: B+

Does getting these grades possibly push me out of my chances at Ivy League schools? Is there anything I can do about it, and if so, what? Thank you for your help.

I calculated your GPA using my school’s system and you had a 3.62 W, 3.2 UW (using an online calculator). That isn’t exactly “Ivy League” material, but remember, it is still only freshman year. Also, your grades are going downwards, which you definitely want to reverse. Also, where are the rest of your Pre-Calculus grades?

Though, there is still room for improvement. Colleges want to see an upward trend (not a downward). To elaborate, maybe your freshman year was mediocre, but if you get straight As in your sophomore and junior years, colleges will see an upward trend (or improvement), which may make you more marketable.

Since there is still one-quarter left of freshman year, study hard to try to raise your grades to make yourself more marketable to the Ivy Leagues. While you cannot raise your GPA to a 4.0 now, you can still raise it by getting straight As (maybe a few Bs) during your fourth quarter. Don’t be afraid to ask your teacher for extra help! Also, study for your APUSH exam in May so you can get a 4 or a 5!

GPAs are also only a portion of college applications. SAT I and IIs, awards, ECs, teacher recommendations, and essays contribute. So, take advantage of your summer. Do some volunteer work, take a college class at a local college, become a Counselor-In-Training at a local summer camp, etc.

Also, if you haven’t already join some clubs or sports (you may have to wait until sophomore year, though). Colleges want to see dedication to a certain field and leadership skills. So, maybe you can join your school’s student council and run for officer senior year. Show a devotion to a certain club and you may become president, secretary, etc. later during your high school career. Founding or co-founding a club also looks great also! Once you’re older, try to get into honor societies.

While you do have a little bit until the SATs, you can do some basic preparation. Review Algebra 1 & 2 and geometry topics. Expand your vocabulary. Improve your writing skills (maybe create a blog for example). You don’t need to start taking practice tests now, as it is early, though.

Sign up for an advanced and rigorous curriculum next year. Though, don’t make it too difficult. You want to challenge yourself, but you do not want to burn yourself out. Based on your grades above, you seem to be best in the humanities, so I recommend maybe taking 1 or 2 APs in social studies/English next year if they are available. If not, take honors.

While getting into an Ivy League is not guaranteed for anyone, you can still do a couple of things to improve your performance over the next few years to try to increase your chances of getting in. Though, remember, these schools are extremely difficult to get into whether you have a 4.0 UW or not.

Thank you for your help! I’m sorry, I wasn’t clear on my grades. I only put the ones that I got a lower grade in. This is the full list, if that changes anything:

Quarter 1
Honors Pre-calculus: B-
Honors Chemistry: B-
HAL: A-
APUSH: A-
German: A
Freshman Wind Ensemble: A
Individual Fitness: A

Quarter 2
Pre-calculus: A
Honors Chemistry: B
HAL: A-
APUSH: B+
German: A
Freshman Wind Ensemble: A
Intro to 2D Art: A

Quarter 3
Pre-calculus: A
Honors Chemistry: B-
HAL: B+
APUSH: B+
German: A
Freshman Wind Ensemble: A

Right now, my UW GPA is 3.8, but I assume it will go down as quarter 3 hasn’t been put in yet.

That definitely is better. The Pre-Calculus grades went from a B to an A, so that is definitely good. You also seem to be doing great in German.

Like I said before, study and don’t be afraid to ask for help. I wish you the best of luck! It must be hard skipping a year in all of the subjects.