Does lower senior year grade compare to junior year look really bad?

<p>I am Japanese immigrant, and came to the U.S about 6 years ago.
I came here with no English at all and I was in ESOL class until I graduated middle school. </p>

<p>I took 5 APs in Junior year, and i received 5 As, one A- in Spanish and one B+ in AP English Language. (I got all As for other 4 AP classes). It was UW 3.86 and 4.66 weighted. </p>

<p>This year, I am taking 6 APs.
But with tons of college essays, interviews, and financial aid applications, I couldn't spend much time as I did in Junior year.
Now I ended my first semester of senior year with two B+ (one from AP English Lit), two A-, and only three As.
It comes out to be 3.71 unweighted, and 4.57 weighted.</p>

<p>One of my friend told me that this descending grade from Junior year to Senior year looks REALLY BAD to colleges..
Is this really going to affect the admission that much?</p>

<p>Also can being a immigrant and not fluent in English can be positive thing in the admission process?
I just want to know I still have a chance for Harvard,,
Plus, my sat score is 2300 and my ECs are really normal and not outstanding at all.</p>

<p>Why don’t you delay sending in the midyear report as much as possible so that the adcom would most likely have reviewed your app already before the senior grades come in? This way your later grades wouldn’t tint the person’s impression of you during the initial reading.</p>

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<p>If once upon a time you were not fluent in English but now you are, then that is evidence of overcoming challenge and therefore a good thing. If you’re still not fluent in English after all these years, that can be a bad thing… </p>

<p>Also, on an unrelated note, I think the more someone clings to the fact that English is not their first language, the more difficult they find learning the new language to be.</p>

<p>I cannot say what your chances are, but your grade decline is minimal and your grades are still good. That sort of a drop off IS NOT going to make the adcoms say “we really liked him/her for admission but then we saw his/her first semester senior year grades and now we don’t like him/her so much anymore.” Good luck.</p>

<p>You’re fine. Those AP’s will greatly help you.</p>

<p>xrCalico, I thought our counselors, not us, determine when to send mid-year reports.</p>

<p>If your counselor/high school is familiar with the idea of sending midyear reports because lots of kids apply, then there may already be a formal system set up. Otherwise, it’s up to you to explain to your counselor when and what to send in.</p>

<p>I would think junior year grades are much more important for admission purposes because lots of apps would’ve been reviewed already before the midyear report comes in, and slight dip in the grades like that won’t be any problem. If you’re worried, check with your guidance counselor, who will be able to better advise you on the issue.</p>