Grades - enough for Harvard?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>Hello everyone,</p>

<p>So as everyone who applied to Ivy League schools, particularly Harvard, is waiting on the admission decisions, I get more and more terrified about my chances next year (I am currently a junior). I am second in my class, and I am taking the most rigorous curriculum I can. At my school, we can only start AP classes our junior year and most people are only taking 2 Aps. I am taking 4. First semester I got at an A in AP language, then a B in macro economics. I just finished my micro economics class with an A and I got a B for the first semester of AP chem. (we have a weird block schedule which allows for semester grades to be finished as quarters end). Before these Bs, I have never gotten a B before. I am really terrified because I know colleges don't like it when an applicant begins receiving Bs junior year in AP classes. What would you guys recommend I do? Should I take more AP classes over the summer to show that I am capable of receiving As in college-level work? Please let me know what you guys think.</p>

<p>Thank you so much!</p>

2

<p>I wouldn’t take AP classes over the summer. Just do your best to get the highest grades you can in those you’re taking in school. Over the summer try to do something like a job, internship, or classes in a specific area of interest. Good luck!</p>

3

<p>you’re stressing out too much about your grades. you’re taking really hard classes, and you’re recieving great grades. no, they’re not ALL A’s, but they’re still respectable and they are not going to make-or-break an acceptance/rejection. harvard isn’t going to take you because of just your grades, unless you are a nationally ranked academic. they are going to look at the WHOLE package. you have to be strong extracurricularly AND academically. your grades show that you are capable of handling any coursework at harvard. not everyone who gets into harvard has all A’s. if you’re at all worried (which you shouldnt be), high SAT scores will balance your grades out a little bit. you’ll be fine! good luck with the rest of your year and keep working hard!</p>