The more I read the more uncertain I am,
I got two Bs in honors pre-cal and honor physics last year, two semesters straight
and this year for the first quarter two Bs in AP physics and AP calculus,
the rest of my classes are As, but where I am from all my other fellow students can do well in Math/Physics/Chemistry with all As even A+s, I don’t think I stand a chance against them, is it impossible for me to go to a top college?
I heard that colleges have a ranking of applying students in schools and they chose from that ranking. Sadly I’m not academically that strong, I feel kind of worthless these days. You know how GPA is the “first test” to get your application viewed? Well I’m getting the feeling I’m not even going to get past that.
Also everyone in my school takes AP classes, so I think I’m ranked among the middle. So much for trying, ugh. Do colleges look at Q1 grades? I’ll try to improve this year. (Which I did and failed last year, painfully)
I might just vent my sadness here, ugh, everyone at my school is going to end up with 1600s on their SATs and 4.0 GPAs while I’ll just wallow in eternal shame. I get full marks on homework and half of the marks on tests, heh. Being a junior and seeing seniors pull their hair out for EA is really stressful too =(
There are a lot of very good universities. With mostly A’s and a few B’s, you can get into very good schools. You don’t need to go to a “top 10” university to be very successful.
I see MIT graduates and U.Mass graduates working side by side every day. No one cares where anyone went to university. Admittedly, most of the U.Mass graduates that I work with were in the top 1/2 of their class there, but they got a very good education and are doing very well.
When I was in graduate school at a “top 3” university, many, possibly most, of the other graduate students there had done their undergrad at their in-state public schools.
Keep working hard. Pay attention to your budget. You will do well.
Hey @temmieflakes,
I know that you may feel pressured to get top grades and scores. Keep in mind that lots of people get B’s and that colleges understand that you are still a kid. Personally, I felt much more relieved getting my first B because I then realized that nobody’s perfect. In the end, that one letter won’t determine your acceptance to a college. IMO, if I were an admissions officer, I would actually rather see someone with slightly lower grades and great ecs rather than a study grinder who has perfect scores but is one dimensional. I BELIEVE IN YOU 
If you’re “not academically strong” then why would you subject yourself to the academic pressure cooker of a top, competitive university?
There are so many wonderful schools in this nation. Compile a list of ones where you’ll find success, find other kids like you, find your place.
One of the wonderful things about being an adult is that you no longer have to worry about what others think the way you do in high school. If you end up at a school that others have never heard of, who cares? Find the school that’s right for YOU, not them.
If you are under or over privileged then you can beat those straight A peers. For example, legacy or large donation can tilt it in your favor, so can your genetic make up or ability to throw a ball.
OP I know it is easier said then done but try and relax. All you can control is how hard you work and in the end it will all work out. In spite of Cupcakemuffins protestations the addmisions process is largely fair and works out so that students are matched with appropriate schools.
Falling short of top grades doesn’t suggest a lack of intellect. It sounds like you are doing just fine in an extremely competitive environment. When the time comes I am sure you will wind up at a school that matches your ambitions and abilities.
“If you are under or over privileged then you can beat those straight A peers. For example, legacy or large donation can tilt it in your favor, so can your genetic make up or ability to throw a ball”. Once again cynical and denigrating to the vast majority of kids that get accepted based on their merits.
While the above is not helpful it is also just a distraction and only marginally correct. School’s admit people based on their ability to thrive and contribute to the academic community. You will find just such a place so don’t worry about others, focus on your own strengths and what makes you happy.
Good luck.
As others have said, you really have to reduce your stress if you can (exercise, reading, non-screen activities), and not compare yourself to others, especially to students who you think are better than you academically. Don’t focus on things that haven’t even happened yet - SATs, EA next year, and assume things will be worst case. And to answer your question, yes many people get into top/good schools with Bs and your B’s are in AP classes (Calculus, Physics) that most applicants outside your high school take as seniors. I know it’s hard, but do not base your worth on your grades or accomplishments, but more on who you are.
I would say don’t stress it. Your grades are similar to my son’s (Bs in AP STEM classes, mostly As in other classes) and he’s currently a sophomore at a Top 20 school and doing well.
It sounds like you go to high school at one of the Silicon Valley pressure cookers. You’re doing fine and your WGPA should be sufficiently high enough for acceptance at a good school.
It is just not true that you are “academically not that strong.” And definitely not worthless!! There are plenty of great schools out there that you can get into, as everyone else says. You have accomplished a lot in HS so far. GPA and ranking are only one piece of admissions. Maybe my best advice…don’t come on to College confidential for a while!
@temmieflakes Nope. You’re screwed. If you don’t have a 4.0 and haven’t even cured cancer, you have no shot. Sorry.
My kid with a somewhat soft GPA (3.7 UW, unhooked) got everyplace she applied a few years ago, including UChicago, Swarthmore, Carleton, Harvey Mudd, and a handful of other school with good merit aid. She did have high test scores, teacher recommendations that I suspect highlighted her strong intellectual streak, and interesting (but by no means world beating) ECs.
Just be sure to find a range of schools you’d be willing to attend, and put together the best apps you can. Don’t worry about what anyone else is doing or what they think.