I got perfect GPA as a freshman and a sophomore. Then, I had to transfer to another school with tougher standards because of my father’s job. As a junior, I took many honors and APs courses as possible. Thus, I had a rigorous load of courses. In the first semester, I got 3 Bs in honors math, english and history. I maintained straight As in the second semester. But, will getting Bs in the first semester lower my chance in getting in Duke, Stanford and UVA? How will I explain this to colleges? Is it because of my moving and I didn’t know my new school’s standards? Are these good reasons or BS?
<p>you didn't know my new school's standards??? that sounds like BS to me. And I would know. I've switched between 10 different school in the past 12 years.</p>
<p>Wow. Bs aren't terrible - you need to chill!!! Colleges hate grade-grubbers, by the way. Also, you do know colleges see only your final grades, right? So is it possible your averages in those courses could be a low As? Saying you didn't know about your new school's standards isn't going to faze anyone because colleges basically expect you to do well no matter where you are. You can say that moving to a more academically rigorous school was positive because it challenged you all the more and made you work your hardest. Make colleges realize you like being challenged and they'll be pleased.</p>
<p>By the way, I'm going to get a B in math my junior year and my guidance counselor thinks I have a fine shot at UPenn - people on here also agree.</p>
<p>So good luck to you. :D</p>
<p>My new school has 7-point scale instead of 10-point scale like my old school, and my new school has mid-term exams for EVERY courses, including independent study! But, you are right. It is BS, so I am doomed.</p>
<p>Okay, take a deep breath. LOL</p>
<p>You so aren't doomed. Would you laugh if I told you that grades aren't everything? Your top choices are Duke, Stanford, and UVA. Well, a friend of mine just got into UVA early, though I'm not sure if he's going...? Anyway, if you give me some more specific stats, I think I can help you out. I always have midterms in all of my courses; it's part of life. You still didn't tell me if you think you have B averages in math, history, and English...or maybe low As?</p>
<p>First of all, I have B averages in math, history and English in the first semester; therefore, my GPA is brought down to 3.96. I am taking AP USH and Psych as well as honors Pre-Calc, English and Chemistry. I don't know my rank, but I am pretty sure that I am at least 10% top. In my old school, I tutored elementary school kids, and I participated in National Karate. In my new school, I participated in Chess, Psychology Association and Science.</p>
<p>I think your new school is a little different from mine - we calculate GPA at the end of the year, not after the first semester. So if you got, oh say, a B and a high A to average a low A, colleges would never know you got that B.</p>
<p>A 3.96 in honors courses is far from bad - is that weighted or not? Your stats so far seem good but how many APs are you taking overall? Also, what about your SATs? AP exams? </p>
<p>From what you've said, your classes are really rigorous but don't forget about the SATs and whatnot...your essay and your ECs matter, too.</p>
<p>3.96 is not weighed. I have taken 7 APs (including this year: Calc, Bio, Chem, English and Government). I got 4 on AP USH (which is the highest score in my school- no one got 5) and 5 on Psych. I scored 770 on SAT II Bio, 700 on writing (my weakness) and 800 on Math IIC. Also, I scored 1480 (I know, I know) on SAT I.</p>
<p>You are in at UVA. That's not even a question. The guy I know who got in at UVA waited till senior year to take his APs (5 of them) and said he "wasn't a junior overachiever with all the damn APs." He got a 770 M 620 V on his SAT I. Lots of ECs, good recs and whatnot.</p>
<p>For Duke, you have a really, really good chance. Stanford? I just don't know. Your grades and scores seem awesome but they want more. Job? Community service? Be more specific about your ECs.</p>
<p>If you're still worrying, why not talk to your guidance counselor? Maybe they can be more assuring about the worries you have?</p>
<p>CHILL. All schools have different standards. Only 2 people have graduated with a gpa of 4.0 in the last ten years at my high school. A few B's aren't a big deal. I've got a 3.5 taking the most rigorous courses and I'm proud.</p>
<p>To be more specific, I have volunteered over 200 hours and received President's Student Service Gold Award. I also forgot to mention I am in Leadership Club as well, and I work on school events such as blood drive and Spirit Week (so much hard work!). I went to National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine in Boston before I was a junior, and although it was a scam, I had an amazing experience meeting new people and learning about medical profession. Last summer, I did research on nanobiology, and it was so much fun yet exhausting! I think that is it. You're right. I shouldn't be worried! Thank you for your help!</p>
<p>Oh and by the way, when colleges give your application a looksie, they typically are informed/familiar with how advanced/rigorous the curriculum is. Which is a good thing. :D</p>
<p>I'm glad you chilled out. Your stats, now that you've been more specific, are truly amazing.</p>
<p>G'luck.</p>