My overall average for junior year was a 91 first semester second will probably be the same. Compared to my freshmen year average of 97 and 95 sophomore year junior year is a pretty big drop partly because of 3 AP’s and also joining the wrestling team. However, my overall gpa is still a 94.3. For the rest of my things I’am fine such as EC’s and SAT 1 & 2. So my question is how bad will this effect my chances for Columbia ED or any school admission in general?
Don’t sweat it. You can’t change it now. This happens to a lot of students, and some still manage to get in to great schools like Columbia. Other kids who cruise through all 4 years of HS with perfect grades can get rejected.
What will be important is what you decide to take next year - will you shy away from too many AP’s in fear of further grade dropping, or will you have learned from this experience how to better manage your time, be successful in your EC’s, etc. All great schools look more favorably at the kids who have learned from hardship.
If you have any hooks, you may still have a chance at ED.
Thanks for the advice, I was wondering if published research can be counted as hooks?
It probably depends on the value of the research, and how much work was really involved. Being credited as part of a team of 8 or 12 for a 2 week project that essentially only validates prior findings is not the same as being a sole researcher on a 3 year effort that has field changing impact. How interesting/unique a person are you?
Others may differ, but I don’t think of hooks, other than athletic ability, as being based on something you’ve done but more as something you’re born with (URM, child of major donor or celebrity). I think of research or special EC’s more of a “tip” in your favor.
Are you from the US or abroad? Since you list your grades as percentages rather than GPA, I have a feeling you might be an international student. I came from a Canadian high school, and 10-15% was added onto my overall grades to compensate for the different grading styles between Canada and the US. If this is the case for you, I think you’re alright. There’s nothing you can do now. Your grades are fine if you want to do ED: though try to raise them your first semester of grade 12 for your RD schools.
No, I am from the US :3,