How much can a huge positive trend in academics and extracurriculars really help?

Applying to College
1

<p>Cliff notes version of said trend:
Soph GPA: 3.75
Junior: 4.375
Senior 4.5 (as of the first grading period)</p>

<p>Basically sophomore year was a failure for me. I didn't do too much in the way of extra curriculars, and was unmotivated. I didn't play volleyball that year (I did freshman year). Grades dipped a lot. I got a 2 on my AP Euro test.</p>

<p>Junior year I achieved flawless grades. I should've taken more AP/honors (took 2 AP, 1 honors) but did take more than the year before. Scored a 4 on both AP tests. Got involved in more volunteer work, played varsity volleyball again, etc.</p>

<p>Senior year is going great so far. Taking AP Calc AB and BC and APES, as well as two engineering courses. I'm the president of an environmental club where we do volunteer work and that kinda thing. I'm leading a landscape architecture project for our school. Also the leader of the "build club", a division of the Engineering Society. So overall, decent examples of leadership, and of course GPA is going up.</p>

<p>Sophomore grades are just dragging me down so much, and unfortunately most colleges don't look at senior grades, so that probably won't be able to help me. I do have a good trend of improvement for sophomore through junior year, and my essays will capitalize on that, but it continues with senior year (which is nice, but doesn't seem beneficial for college).</p>

2

<p>A strong upward trend is good; top grades throughout are better. Just push through on making a good list of schools for your apps.</p>

3

<p>may I just ask why you are taking both AB and BC calc this year, as you can only take the exam for one?</p>

4

<p>Erin’s Dad - okay, thanks! I’m doing my best haha</p>

<p>etacarinae - My school is set up so that you can take four classes a semester; 8 a year. I’m taking AB this semester and BC next, just like every other AP Calc student in my school has done. Not sure what you mean or how that affects AP testing</p>

5

<p>Just curious- it feels pointless to take an AP class when you can’t even take the exam for it. But I assume you’re taking AB to prepare for BC which is a good call on your part.</p>