<p>I'm a senior and I developed a huge downward trend last year. I still intend to try to get into top 20, but I was wondering how much it'll affect my chances? My GPA went from 4.0 to 3.78 in 1 year...</p>
<p>Was that a one year 3.78 or a cumulative 3.78? If the latter, it will really hurt your prospects for top schools, since that implies you were around a 3.4 or lower junior year. Consistently high grades are the best, an upward trend is good, and a downward trend is not good. You might need to set your sights a little lower.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Hey, thanks for replying. Unfortunately, my GPA really did go down that far in a span of 1 year. Would colleges like to know reasons, or are they really annoyed when applicants try to explain bad grades? In addition, do you think it would help that they see an improvement in my fall semester of this year? I’m doing significantly better in my difficult classes, with only 1 B in 4 AP classes.</p>
<p>If you have a very valid reason then tell them, if it just sounds like a bunch of excuses, then skip it, and lower your sites on where you are applying to college.</p>