honestly, how much will these senior grades hurt me? :(

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>hey, so basically.. i'm struggling my senior year. i have no real excuse, my classes are just hard. i think i might end up with 3 B/B+'s (5 APs) my first marking period but will be sure to get all A's second marking period. if this happens, worst case scenario, how bad will this hurt my chances? :(</p>

<p>here are my other stats:
1) Basics:
Ethnicity: Asian
Sex: Female
Location: NJ
non-competitive public school (or at least i think ... ~7 people got into lower tier ivies this year, but this is unusually large)
school doesn't rank, but top 5% (smallest percentage my school goes to)</p>

<p>2) GPA/courseload:
~4.4-4.5 weighted GPA // unweighted .. not sure. I'll have all A's/A+'s except for two B+'s at the end of this year
- hardest courseload possible: AP Psych, AP Chem, AP Lang & Comp; rest are honors
- APs: 5 on Psych & Chem
- Senior Courseload: 5 APs: french, calc, lit, USH, bio</p>

<p>3) Test Scores
800 Math Level II / 700 on Bio / 780 on Chem
2300 SAT
35 ACT</p>

<p>4) Extracurriculars
-cofounder/pres of a human rights club. (10, 11, 12) -- our first year, took a lot of effort to start, but raised several hundred dollars and planned 2 successful schoolwide events so far.
-treasurer of Key Club (9, 10, 11, 12)
-captain of Science League (9,10,11,12)
-President of Chemistry Olympics (10,11,12)
-exec board officer of Peer Tutoring (10, 11, 12)
-exec board officer of Student Government Organization (10,11,12)
-VP/treasurer of human psychology club (11,12)
-delegate for Model UN (10,11,12)
-varsity lacrosse (9,10,11,12)
(... the rest are insignificant clubs that i won't put down.)</p>

<ul>
<li>inventing is also a passionate hobby of mine, started when i was very young. have won multiple awards ... see below.</li>
</ul>

<p>5) Volunteering
- student ambassador at a well-known science museum, 200+ hours
- guidance office volunteer, 300+ hours
- various activities through Key Club/Peer Tutoring/others...
- Heroes & Cool Kids (volunteer program, mentor kids.. etc)</p>

<p>6) Summer
- UIBE - international cultural exchange program in beijing.
- Camp Rising Sun - international, leadership camp run by LAJF, a nonprofit organization. given a $10,000 scholarship chosen from thousands worldwide. one of the most amazing experiences of my life and will most likely write an essay on this since it has had such a huge impact on me.
- HOBY: chosen as the only representative for my school, leadership program // selected to return as a part of Team Alumni (junior counselors) // stayed active in the organization ever since
- congressional academy for history & civics -- one out of two people to be chosen to represent NJ, scholarship program</p>

<ol>
<li>Achievements/Awards</li>
<li>modern marvels invention contest - honorable mention</li>
<li>everyday edisons invention contest - semifinalist</li>
<li>patent for invention/in talks with companies about marketing invention.</li>
<li>my school's guidance award - for citizenship & having a strong impact on the community // overall exceptional academic achievement in all subjects.</li>
<li>my school's math achievement award - highest average in all junior year math classes</li>
<li>commended on PSATs</li>
<li>NHS/National French Honors Society</li>
<li>bronze Congressional Award</li>
</ol>

2

<p>Alright, you’re probably joking, but in case not: the answer is no. Think big picture with your other credentials. Ivy-worthy students think big-picture.</p>

3

<p>^ Not exactly an accurate response. The last grades a school sees have a significant effect on decisions.</p>

4

<p>no, unfortunately, i’m being totally serious. i’m concerned. :/</p>

5

<p>I keep hearing how important is an “upward trend”. Though, of course that applies to anyone who CAN trend upward…meaning…not someone with your previous stats anyway. But I’m also hearing lots of warnings not to get “senioritis”…where you allow your grades to slip. I have no answer of course. My D is in the opposite boat. Finally decided to major in an academic subject instead of music, and now understands grades are EVERYTHING! She spent every spare moment of her life on music ECs. So, several Bs before…but now straight As. We’re crossing our fingers THAT does make a difference. But no one can know of course. So, just apply, like she is…and they’ll sort it. Don’t stress, just do YOUR best. There is nothing else you can do at this point but keep working to the best of your ability, and send in your app.</p>

6

<p>thanks :confused: i guess i’m just stressed & can’t do anythin gabout it, but i’m looking for an honest answer. i realllly screwed up, but ugh, i guess there’s nothing to do but keep going and make the best of it.</p>

7

<p>^
Colleges will probably understand that having 5 APs could be difficult, for any student, and to take the gist of what you’ve said, the past is past. Focus on raising your grades for the next term and continue active involvement with your ECs–that’s all I can tell you.</p>

8

<p>i understand what the OP is saying it has nothing to do with not trying its just that these AP classes senior year are really hard</p>

9

<p>I think the fact that you are an inventor is most interesting.</p>

10

<p>thanks everyone for the input =]</p>

11

<p>2 or 3 Bs will not kill you, especially in the senior year. </p>

<p>Ugh, this year I’ll have a B- AND a C. -.-;</p>