Importance of Sophomore Grades?

<p>Hi everyone!!! So I’m a sophomore in high school, and I really, really, really want to go to Brown. I don’t know what my final grades for the year are just yet, but I am looking at two B’s in two academic classes, one is math and one is an elective AP. I have good extra curriculars. Next year, I am really set on getting straight A’s (we’ll see how that goes), but how much do you think my sophomore year grades will hurt me for Brown? Does sophomore year count for a lot? I’m pretty new to this process and any thoughts would be appreciated.</p>

<p>The most important part of your application to Brown is your high school transcript – that means the rigor of your classes and your grades. If those B’s are in very difficult classes (like AP Calculus), that’s considered. Your rank is considered also – so if almost everyone is getting Bs and your rank is not affected, then those Bs are looked at differently.</p>

<p>Yes, sophomore year is very important. Yes, it counts for a lot. </p>

<p>There are plenty of kids who get into Brown with Bs on their transcript, but there are also plenty who get denied who have straight As.</p>

<p>That’s sort of confusing. I know that many schools including Brown have a holistic method of evaluation, but you’re saying they do and don’t at the same time. Do sophomore and freshman grades affect my chances, not at Brown, but my overall relevance in the admissions game?</p>

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<p>Yes. Your freshman and sophomore grades make up more than 50% of your GPA when you apply to college (and 2/3 if you apply ED). Of course they are going to affect your chances. Colleges don’t admit students based on junior year grades alone.</p>

<p>you’re saying they do and don’t at the same time</p>

<p>No, s/he is saying they do. Straight A students can have the personality to back up their grades, or maybe they don’t. Same with B students. Holistic admissions don’t just take all A students sometimes. </p>