Hi,
I am an international student, who ended up with a downward trend of GPA from freshman to junior year.
I am wondering if my chances might be better at Ivies if I have a high GPA (around 4.15 out of 4.25) on my 1st semester of my senior year. How would colleges view this trend?
Thanks!
How ‘downward’ is downward? Are you talking about 4.1 down to 3.9 and then up to 4.2? Or a bigger decline?
The most selective schools in the US don’t have to consider students with less than stellar academic records. They can fill their classes many times over with students who have consistently top grades and high test scores. You’ll need to offer something exceptional to off-set a less than stellar academic record. (National level awards, a unique and compelling life story, published author, Olympic level athlete - just examples) And if on top of a downward trend, you also need financial aid, then your chances are even smaller.
Fortunately, there are many other excellent schools beyond the Ivies and their peers. Have you considered those?
@n’s I’m talking about…3.9 to a 3.7, then a 3.8 (cumulative 11th year gpa) to a 4.1, leading to around 3.9 overall weighted GPA. My goal is Pomona and WUSTL, USC…and UPenn?
Assuming your are looking at an unweighted scale based on a 4.0, then you are fine. Look at the Common Data Set for each schools, Section C (google it) and you will see how you compare academically to the admitted student body. Know that those students in the lower half/lowest quartile are the ones who had something important to offer the school/student body other than top grades and/or test scores. As an international applicant (one who can pay the full fare?), you can offer a unique perspective which is in your favor.
But if you are really set on studying in the US, you will need to have schools that are less selective in your list - or plan to study in your home country and attend grad school in the US.