<p>This quarter has been really stressful because of college apps, combined with the most difficult course load, playing a varsity sport and working a managerial position at a job. I may be getting two or more B's this semester, based on how well I did on my exams. Worst case scenario is 4-5 B's. Best is one.
I've already been accepted to a great program (UVA Science Honors) and to UMass with money, but I was deferred from MIT and still have to hear from a lot of great schools like Bowdoin and Cornell.
Do these grades hold a lot of weight? Or do schools understand how stressful the whole process is?</p>
<p>the midyear grades hold a lot a lot of weight. 1 B you’re still in the running for MIT/Cornell probably, too many more than that and it doesn’t look good.</p>
<p>They are important for surea rule of thumb is to not let your senior grades slip by more than 5% from your previous grades, otherwise admissions officers may begin to wonder about your stamina and work ethic, and you may get a letter in the mail asking you to explain why your grades are dropping. A 10% or lower drop is definitely a cause for concern and puts you at a real risk, as admissions offices at many top colleges and good programs tend to be very good at revoking admissions offers in cases like these, from what I’ve heard. A huge reason for many students getting deferred is also so that colleges can see their first semester senior grades (and even part of the second semester grades in some cases), but if you keep up a good ethic and work hard, there’s no need to really worry too much. Good luck!</p>