<p>Yeah, sorry if this sounds slightly stupid, but for my freshman year I ended with a GPA of about 3.7.
At first it was a 3.8, however, due to being hospitalized, it fell to a 3.7.
This is my second year in High School, and I want my cumulative GPA at the end of all this to look good.
So, will my freshman GPA ruin my chances of getting to my Reach school? (Which is the University of Penn)
I understand that ACT/SAT scores do play a role, as well as the extra curricular activities you participate in...
For my Cumulative GPA to look good- do I need a 4.0 the rest of these years? Because I will do my best to achieve that.</p>
<p>Thanks and sorry if this sounds confusing! (Honestly, I don't even know how to calculate my current cumulative GPA)</p>
<p>Of course you should try for a 4.0 for the rest of HS, but a 3.7 freshman year won’t prevent you from getting into Penn. And I would talk with your GC about learning the ins and outs of calculating a GPA.</p>
<p>First of all, many schools do not even count freshmen grades. Second, you may still bring the GPA to 3.9+ at the end of high school. Third, a strong upward trend will help to overcome slight weakness in GPA. Lastly, 3.7 is not bad.</p>
<p>A cummulative 3.8+ UW with strong rigor AND high test scores will put you in competition at most schools like Penn. So you’re certainly well within reach, just pick the rest of your courses wisely. And you still have some time to pick up some great ECs, which will be vital.</p>
<p>Honestly? My GPA in high school was a 3.4, and I got into UPenn. Granted, this was after being waitlisted twice (and I didn’t receive any scholarship money), but hopefully that will make you feel better.</p>
<p>Your GPA is still competitive, and an upward trend coupled with some good ECs, essays, etc. will definitely make you a strong candidate. Don’t stress too much. :)</p>
<p>^^How long ago was that? If it was last year, might be relevant and we’d love to hear your story, anything more than 10 and it’s now a different world.</p>