<p>So I am usually one of the people who responds to these types of threads, but I got my transcript today and am now slightly confused...</p>
<p>Basically if you look at my semester GPAs, I had a 4.0 once, two 3.9s and one 3.6 (and am currently on track to either have a 3.9 or 4.0 again this semester based on quarter grades). So that one 3.6 (from first semester sophomore year) lowered my rank and cumulative GPA a lot (rank is 13/125, GPA is 3.8 (I think 3.85) and is making my stats low for top colleges. I am planning to apply to top schools and understand that my stats will be low, but how much will it truly hurt me?</p>
<p>P.S. No, I do not have a valid excuse for the low GPA, I was simply in harder classes then freshman year and struggled with the workload at first.</p>
<p>Depends on what made up that 3.6 and what the lowest grades were in. (Eg, a math or sci class, when you hope for a humanities major. Or ceramics or somesuch.) And, just how high you want to aim. Suspect you know, scores and the strength of the whole app will matter. That includes legit responsibilities, not just hs activities. You’re a junior?</p>
<p>First, I just want to say a 3.6 is not terrible. Many kids WISH for a 3.6… Also, don’t be discouraged. One semester will not end up having too much of an effect, especially as minor as a 3.6 - provided you put in extra work for the next semesters and pull it up.</p>
<p>@Lookingforward the 3.6 was due to Bs in honors math, chemistry and Spanish, (it was my first time in honors math and language) as well as printmaking 2. I brought the chemistry and Spanish grades up and they were As second semester, math remained a B (though it looks like I will have an A in honors math this year). Yes, I’m a junior.</p>
<p>it sounds like you’ll be fine. it’s just a very small dip, and you seem to be doing fine now. I wouldn’t worry too much. just keep trying to do your best</p>