Before I started high school, I had my sights set on schools like Washington University and Notre Dame, but I don’t think that’s realistic anymore. I had two B’s and one C my freshmen year. And this year, I had B’s in both honors Algebra 2 and AP Physics for both semesters. My other grades are mostly A’s and I plan on entering the IB program next year. If I keep up my grades for the next two years and get decent ACT scores (32-33) is it still far-fetched for me to still aim for those schools? Or do I still have a chance?
It is not too late. The best advice I’ve ever received is that you’ll never know until you try. If you get good grades your junior and senior year and get good test scores you’ll have a chance at those schools. My grades weren’t that good my freshman and sophomore years and my test scores weren’t all that either, but I still got into one of my top choices (Emory). In fact, my stats were a little below their middle 50%, but your application isn’t just stats. It’s about who YOU are. They want to know who you are inside and outside of academia. It’s your essays and recs that can really make your application shine. My essays and recs showed that I’d be someone who could get the most out of their campus and would truly excel there.
So right now focus on grades, test scores, and getting involved. Join clubs and run for leadership positions in things that interest you. As the end of your junior year approaches, then you really start thinking about essays and who will write your recs. It’s around this time that you can re-evaluate yourself to see your progress and determine your chances for these schools. Also, mid-late junior year think about getting a college counselor if your school doesn’t have one/counselor isn’t that helpful. I’m not advising shelling out a lot of money because there are a ton of programs that provide this support for FREE. If not there’s always here on CC where you can get encouragement and brutal honesty all at your own convenience. Anyways, don’t give up so quickly. The college process is tough, but you can do it. As long as you build a solid college list you can still aim for those schools.
The other thing is that tons of kids do their best in HS but if finances and other logistics don’t work out may go to Community College for 2-3 years and then transfer into excellent Us. Cornell, USCal, and others take a lot of transfer students.
My D had a very rough time in HS due to chronic health issues. She got a GED after JR year and then started CC. She transferred into USCal after completing 3 semesters of CC. Her hard work in HS and CC prepared her well for her college.
Thank you for the replies! I really appreciate the advice!