This is something I’ve been stressing out about a lot recently. IU is my college of choice, but I’m worried that I might not get in. I’m a senior in my second semester by the way.
GPA- 3.313
SAT- 1180| 640 reading/ writing, 540 math
Class rank- 50/136
National honor society since sophomore year
For some background, 2020 was definitely not kind to me. For example, threat of house foreclosure, loss of a very close relative, contracting COVID, mental health issues, and very inconsistent in-person instruction are some of the standout events on a pretty long list. All of this culminated in my GPA dropping a few points and getting less than desirable grades in a few classes.
It would be awesome if I could get some insight on whether or not I should even bother applying.
Thank you
Yes. You should apply. I believe this year is SAT optional.
In addition, check out the satellite campuses. These are often less competitive (depending on your intended major) and the credits will transfer to the Bloomington campus if you later transfer.
Indiana is a solid university that accepts the majority of its applicants - B+ students with an 1180 often do get admitted.
Exactly, what grades get shared on your official transcript? Whether I would provide an explanation to the school for the dropping GPA depends greatly on what the colleges see and don’t see (and exactly how you did). Happy to go down this route further with you if you want to share ALL of the specifics. For best advice, you would need to share exactly what IU will see for your 3.5 years of high school.
I’d be happy to share more.
that works for me. feel free and I will share my 2 cents. thanks
Sorry for the extremely late reply, but here is my transcript.
Freshman year semester 1:
Algebra 1- B
Geography- B
English 9 honors- B+
Career info and exploration- A
Spanish level I- C+
Physical education I- A-
Biology I- A
Freshman year semester 2:
Spanish level I- B
Geography- A-
English 9 honors- B+
Algebra I- B+
Biology I- A
Physical education II- A-
Health and wellness- A-
Sophomore year semester 1:
English 10 honors- A
Spanish level II- A-
Chemistry I- A-
Intro to 2D art- A
Algebra II- A-
Principles of business management- A-
US history- A-
Sophomore year semester 2:
English 10 Honors- A
Spanish level II- B+
Chemistry I- B+
Algebra II- A
Elective PE- A
Principles of business management- A
US history- A
Junior year semester 1:
English 11 Honors- A
Anatomy and physiology- A
Spanish level III (ivy tech)- C+
Geometry- A
Psychology- A
Music theory and composition- B+
US government AP- A-
Junior year semester 2:
English 11 honors- A-
US government AP- C-
Spanish level III- D (replaces by a B after taking
Geometry- A
Anatomy and physiology (Indiana state university)- B
Elective PE- A
Painting- A
Senior year semester 1:
Intro to 3D art- C+
English Literature and composition AP- B
Advanced 2D art- C
Statistics AP- D+
Psychology- C+
Forensics- C
Art History- C
Thanks a lot for sharing and I am really glad I asked. Not sure if you incorporated your senior year grades into your GPA, but either way, they do not read very well as part of or compared to your B+ average (I am not doing the math so just an impression). Do you have a good reason for your drastic senior year decline? Your B in English is a bright spot, but someone should be advising you that AP and D+ do not go well with each other and whether it is too late to drop down a level? Absent of senior year, I would have thought yes, but if senior year continues on this path, I have to say no. The good news is that you still have one semester to fix the year and I hope you do. Since IU accepts a high percentages of students, you could still have a chance if you improve fast. I heard that if you get in touch with their associate provost, he might listen and be helpful to you.
The reasoning for the steep drop during first semester was pretty much stated in my initial post. Contracting corona, losing a close loved one, threat of house foreclosure, mental health issues, very inconsistent in person instruction, etc, etc.
And the 3.3 is with first semester of senior year included.
Thanks. It had been a while so I forgot. Assuming you have not improved drastically, please make the call and thank me with a heart if it works out.
The reason I am the annoying one on these chances, who asks for a mini-transcript, is because averages don’t always tell the whole story.