<p>I grew up from grades 1-8 at a public school, getting A's without doing ANY work. For high school, I transferred to a well known private high school where I have struggled. My Freshman and Sophomore year were extremely difficult having to go from doing no homework to 2-4 hours a night. This change resulted in my getting these grades....</p>
<p>Freshman Year:
S1- 2.66
S2- 2.33</p>
<p>Sophomore Year:
S1- 2.33
S2- 2.6</p>
<p>By the time Junior year came around I realized I had to step it up and got these grades...</p>
<p>Junior Year:
S1- 3.6
S2- 3.70
ACT- 29</p>
<p>How much will those first to years hurt me? Is there any way to cover them up or explain them? I was hoping for University of Denver, Wisconsin-Madison and Indiana, are any of those still a possibility?</p>
<p>Also please note this is the grading scale at my school and it is harder then that of a public school.</p>
<p>A+ 98-100 B+ 90-92 C+ 82-84 D+ 75-76 F below 70
A 95-97 B 87-89 C 79-81 D 72-74<br>
A- 93-94 B- 85-86 C- 77-78 D- 70-71</p>
<p>Your case reminds me of an inspiring note from the President of Yale College (I posted this on my child’s wall as an inspiration)—</p>
<p>Quote – In selecting future Yale students, President Brewster wrote, '" I am inclined to believe that the person who gives every ounce to do something superbly has an advantage over the person whose capacities may be great but who seems to have no desire to stretch them to their limit.” Within the context of each applicant’s life and circumstances, we look for that desire and ability to stretch one’s limits.</p>
<p>I’m sure you understood what the President of Yale is trying to stressed out.</p>
<p>Anyways, to my knowledge college admissions would require grades from Year 9 which I believe is the US Junior year, don’t fret, you still have the chance to keep up and maintain good study habits! I don’t think it will hurt!
Just my opinion…</p>
<p>Well upward trends will help. But I’m nervous about getting into a school like IU or Wisconsin with a 3.88 UW GPA, so I would try to get an exceptional SAT/ACT score (30+ ACT or 1900+ SAT) to outweigh your low GPA. Since big schools are more about the numbers, your GPA will weigh you down big time. If you have any special EC’s or something, I would look into a smaller school who values those things more. </p>
<p>And not to pop your balloon, but your grading system is really no different than many high schools, its about a point higher mine (a mid range public)</p>