Hi, I’m new to CC, so sorry if this is awkward and ranty!
I’m a sophomore in high school right now. I have 3 grades (all in STEM subjects) that range between 85-88. The rest of my grades are above a 92. I’m really worried about those 3 B’s that I have, but everyone around me is telling me that sophomore year grades “don’t matter”. All of my grades go into my GPA, so how does that make sense? I had high hopes for college (Duke, UNC Chapel Hill, Pomona, maybe even Cornell) because my freshman year grades were so high, but now I’m really discouraged. Are my grades bad or is this all just in my head? Will this affect my college choices in the long run?
If anyone can provide any answers at all, that’d be great. Thanks!!
Sophomore grades do matter, however, if you show an upward trajectory from here that will be viewed favorably.
I’m sure you hear this a lot being the student it sounds like you are - breathe. A couple of B’s is not the end of the world. Try to get them up of course as best you can, but whether or not you get into those schools will not be because of your grade in a 10th grade stem class. Fun fact - a friend of mine got a D in her Highschool Chem class. She went on to attend both Harvard and Yale in the following few years. So don’t stress, it’ll work out.
I’m sure you hear this a lot being the student it sounds like you are - breathe. A couple of B’s is not the end of the world. Try to get them up of course as best you can, but whether or not you get into those schools will not be because of your grade in a 10th grade stem class. Fun fact - a friend of mine got a D in her Highschool Chem class. She went on to attend both Harvard and Yale in the following few years. So don’t stress, it’ll work out.
Sophomore grades matter and most students accepted to the colleges you listed have few, if any B’s. Your concerns are valid.
You need to stop listening to what everyone around you, especially other sophomores, are saying about college admissions.
Yes, your overall grades will matter. Do your best, get help when needed, study and turn your work in on time. Next year, as a HS junior, make sure your list of schools includes some safety choices, based on where you are next year.
Yes, sophomore grades do matter. When the time comes to apply to colleges you will need to asses your academic stats (including GPA, standardized tests, course rigor) as well as your financial needs and apply to a wide range of reach, match, and safety schools that appear affordable (you will have to run a net price calculator for each school you consider) and that you would be happy to attend. There are many wonderful schools out there where you can have a great 4 year experience and get where you want to go in life.