<p>How much does a downward trend affect chances of getting into a good school such as Rice? Will a small upward trend senior year help out? Finally, should I write a separate essay to either the admissions committee or my admissions person about the reasons behind the downward trend if I think they're legitimate?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>No. Do not explain your trends. If it is legitimate (such as illness, family issues etc.) your GC can make a note of it and let them know.</p>
<p>And yes, a downward trend does hurt. If you show improvement in the end, it will help a lot. What kind of trend are you talking about?</p>
<p>A grade trend. But thanks for the advice!</p>
<p>I know that it is a grade trend. I mean, how much and for what years?</p>
<p>Only junior year. My GPA went from 4.0–>3.8 UW</p>
<p>If you pick it up senior year, it will be forgotten. They understand that people have issues, just make sure that you are consistent.</p>
<p>The thing is, I’m not doing excellent this year either. It’s still below average for me. 2 Bs out 7 classes. 1 Honor 1 Ap. But I am taking 4 APs and 1 Honors class plus 2 normal classes. Do you think that’s enough for them to give me the benefit of the doubt?</p>
<p>You do realize that B’s don’t mean you wont get in. Don’t worry and do the best job you can. All I can say is the better you do, the easier it will be to get in - which isn’t really helpful.</p>
<p>Just try your best and focus on your essays, SAT and recos as well</p>
<p>Yeah, the thing is I don’t think my essays are amazing. My ACT is above average for Rice, but on the other hand, my family just moved, so my teachers do not know me very well… that goes for my GCs too.</p>
<p>are you applying RD? IN any case, work on your essays. Not much else you can do.</p>
<p>What I do know is that you are not going to be automatically rejected for some B’s</p>
<p>Is applying RD for me a problem?</p>
<p>no. I was just curious about your time frame.</p>