<p>In 9th grade, I got a 3.69, last year i got a 3.92, and this year, I should have a 4.0. So how much will this hurt me when I'm applying to the top schools? If it matters, my class rank will probably be around top 7% (we do individual rankings). I have the hardest courseload in the school, but we don't weight at all. Also, I expect my SAT score to be around 2300. Will this sink my application to any really top university?</p>
<p>It's certainly better to have an upward trend than a downward trend. It's even better, however, to maintain a high standard of excellence through all four years- top schools have their pick of the litter. I don't think your freshman year will kill your chances, but being out of the top 5% definitely reduces your chances. Of the applicants ranked in the top 5-10% of their class, Brown admitted 7%, Penn admitted 10%, and Duke admitted 12.5%.</p>