How significant are 9th and 10th grade GPAs?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hello, I just have one question if anyone is willing to answer.</p>

<p>My GPA for 9th and 10th grade is relatively low (90.5) when considering my 11th grade GPA (97-98) UW, (106-108)W.</p>

<p>And the 11grade courses were much harder because I enrolled in the IB program.</p>

<p>This will probably come out to be around a 94 total, as my guidance counselor estimated. </p>

<p>Are colleges going to see this increase as something significant or is it almost the same as having a 94 for your first three years of high school?</p>

<p>Also my college essay is going to be about a "psychological revolution" which I experienced beginning from the end of 10th grade and is still continuing.</p>

<p>I'm really beginning to hate myself for not trying as a freshman and sophomore</p>

2

<p>Me too, except I had about a 75 my freshman/sophomore years.</p>

<p>Some colleges do not count your freshman GPA.</p>

<p>Yes, an upward trend will help.</p>

<p>Your essay should help, too. </p>

<p>Overall, I wouldn't be worried.</p>

3

<p>i hate third trimester of sophmore year...f-ed up and got 4 Bs and 2 As and that brought my whole 10th grade year down to the same thing.... but colleges definately look at an upward trend and see it as a sign of maturity.. just kick a ss your junior year</p>

4

<p>HS matters but at this point move ahead and you will probably be fine, assuming you EC's etc are good. Can't worry about the past now it will just drag you down.</p>

5

<p>Alright, thank you. That definitely gives me some reassurance. My guidance counselor is somewhat pessimistic then, I guess.</p>

6

<p>a 90 is nothing to worry about, it's the low 80s and 70s that become an issue for some, considering that and your improvement, you should be fine.</p>

7

<p>i'm actually worried about the same issue. </p>

<p>9th grade first semester i had a 3.66 gpa first sememster and a 3.83 gpa the 2nd.</p>

<p>10th grade i haave a 3.66 gpa both semesters.</p>

<p>would this hurt my college admission?
I'm aiming towards stanford.</p>

<p>op: i think a lot of people are in the same pickle.</p>

<p>any advice?</p>

8

<p>Yeah, I'm hoping all my other stats will outweigh the grades.</p>

<p>If I list my stats, would someone tell me some ideal schools to apply to?</p>

<p>I'll list them here: :)</p>

<p>9th+10th : 90.5 (Don't have specifics for each grade, but there is definitely an upward trend from 9th to 10th</p>

<p>11th (first semester): ~97-98 UW. I expect the same for the second semester.</p>

<p>IB Scores: After researching each course, I am confident I can get around a 38/45 total, with higher scores in english and math/physics.</p>

<p>SATs: Min-2050
Will study during the summer; I aim for a 2200</p>

<p>SAT IIs haven't taken them yet but will most likely get: Literature:700-800 Math II 750-800 Physics 700-800</p>

<p>I want to be an english major, specializing in creative writing. I plan on becoming a writer.</p>

<p>ECS (a bit weak)
School Trivia Club (2 years-including senior)-Basically, an intellectual trivia club. My school is in first place this year, going into the playoffs.
Independent Reading (~14hrs/wk)
Volunteer Work-Hospital Emergency Room:I did not worked a lot here but I did something at least(~15hrs)
This summer: Creative Writing and possibility Literature Course at a precollege program. Unsure of where at the moment.
I have started my own novel(la) and it will definitely be finished by the time I begin applying. It may not be amazing, but it will include the basic elements of literature and some compelling themes, which I believe are found in novels whose writers are much older than I. I can't say if this will be more along the lines of a novella or a novel.</p>

<p>My essay, as I said, is about my psychological revolution. I consider myself rather articulate and the essay contains many examples of introspection and well, "knowing thy self."</p>

<p>As for universities, I've been thinking about doing early decision to UC Berkeley, but I'm not sure if there is anything more prestigious I could get into. I've always dreamed of Columbia, but I know its a huge reach in my situation, so I'm not really sure.
I've also considered schools in the UK, specifically Durham, Warwick, St. Andrews, Cambridge (could always get lucky!)</p>

<p>If anyone has any advice I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks.</p>

9

<p>The higher the grade level, the more the GPA matters- but a low GPA from 9th and 10th grade will lower your class rank, which is a very significant factor in admissions.</p>

10

<p>Upward trend helps but colleges will look at grades from all 4 years of high school contrary to popular belief. If you had 70s, they will ask you to explain, especially if it is a super selective university. Some colleges will not of course, but they are not part of the most selective ones.</p>