<p>Hi,
I'm a freshman, but my first semester GPA is extremely low (3.5) and I'm in no honors or AP classes. Are my chances at admission into any competitive colleges gone, or do I have a chance if I can get it together for the rest of my high school career? My top choices are any Ivy Leagues, MIT, Stanford, Duke, University of Chicago, UCLA, or Berkley. I'm a cheerleader and a member of the speech and debate team.
If it is now impossible for me to get into any of my choices, should I repeat freshman year, this time taking more advanced classes? Thank you!</p>
<p>Relax, your freshman year is hardly looked at by admissions officers. Just do your best to keep your grades at all As this year, since it’ll probably be your easiest year and is the best way to keep your GPA higher. My school doesn’t even allow freshmen or sophomores to take AP classes so I wouldn’t worry about it. If your classes are too easy, however, try talking to your guidance counselor and see if he/she can put you into more advanced classes.</p>
<p>Otherwise, a 3.5 GPA is nothing to worry about, and especially not worth repeating a year for. Just try to get the highest grades you can, take honors/AP over the next few years, get involved in extracurriculars (the earlier the better), and start prepping for those SATs 
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<p>Finally, remember that even kids with the most perfect stats get rejected from all the schools you’re looking at. I don’t want to crush your dreams, but I was a freshman with high expectations and as a senior I’m now realizing how ridiculously competitive these places are. Don’t forget to look at some good schools that you would have a definite shot of getting in. Good luck with the rest of high school!</p>