<p>Before the end of first semester last year, my guidance counselor removed a "B" from my high school transcript because I earned it in 8th grade and do not need it to graduate.
Without this B, I was left with a 4.00 GPA.
I got through my finals, both semesters, and still maintained the 4.00. </p>
<p>This summer I took the first semester of AP European History, I had one assignment left to be graded and if I passed it, I would get an A. My teacher was in Europe, so didn't grade (on average) until 3 to 4 am. So I stayed up until 4 am for five days before he graded it, constantly refreshing my computer. </p>
<p>I got the A, but now I'm worried about myself. The pressure of the "perfect" GPA is becoming too much for me. Even now, with no classes, I'm still very concerned. </p>
<p>I know this is the lamest CC post...but I don't know what to do. Is this normal? Does anybody have any advice on how to calm my nerves next semester?</p>
<p>I know this fear is irrational, I don't even want to go the Ivy League or another elite school.</p>
<p>Don’t worry so much, a 4.0 is just a 4.0, you can live without it. I personally don’t have a 4.0, at one point it was an issue, at this point I couldn’t care less. Colleges want more then a perfect 4.0 producing robot. Just so you know I know people who got into ivies and other top schools without a 4.0.</p>
<p>I think it is kind of abnormal. Find some other activity to engage yourself in rather than grades, like sports, art, music, or something else you really enjoy.</p>
<p>You sound just like me around the end of the term, obsessively refreshing the web page at stupid hours. And I don’t have nearly a 4.0. I also stop caring almost immediately when grades are posted, regardless of what they are.</p>
<p>It can’t hurt to get temporarily caught up in anticipation of something.</p>
<p>It sounds like you are putting a lot of pressure on yourself. A lot of students do that. I’d consider it normal, but perhaps not healthy for you to do…just like a lot of people eat junk food, but it’s not good for you. Take a look at the GPA ranges for colleges you might be interested in, and there will be a range, and then maybe you can give yourself permission to relax a bit. You might also talk to your school counselor. I’m sure it is something they’ve heard before.
I was watching an interview with admissions officers from a groups of schools ( that included Harvard) and they all agreed that the students they look or usually have a healthy mix of As and Bs.</p>
<p>I had this point of view a couple months ago… I made a spreadsheet of what my gpa would be if I got certain grades in certain classes, and I checked naviance so much to see how I compared on scattergrams, etc.
Really, I agree that you need some perspective. It’s so easy to get sucked into the vortex of school and grades and perfectionism, but you need balance too. Go out and have some fun! If you can, haha. Remember that no one can be perfect. You can set that goal for yourself but it’s not the end of the world if you don’t get it!</p>