Hi guys!
So although I am still a junior at high school, regarding college admissions, how bad did I ruin my chances to a good college (dream school: Stanford or Yale; possible schools: UC Berkeley, UCLA, etc.) in terms of the junior year grades (although I know test scores, EC’s, and essay would factor in)?
Currently, I am at a very competitive high school and I had all A’s freshman/sophomore year (ending with a 4.7/4.0 GPA), but junior year has wrecked the GPA significantly (end of 1st semester - 4.59/3.83)
Classes:
Pre-Calculus H - C+
AP U.S History - A
English IB SL - B-
Philosophy IB - A
AP Physics 2 - B
Computer Science IB SL - B
Spanish IB - B-
SAT: 2160
ACT: 34
I am currently a junior aiming for the highly selective schools, so I totally understand your struggle. If you’re a humanities person like me, I understand your issue with pre-Calc even more. However, I think the schools will see your low B’s as a bit of a red flag since there are a few. Stanford and Yale especially would probably be a farther reach now, but don’t give up yet! If you can significantly improve your grades it will show them your perseverance and will help you get a better shot.
Good luck!
You did not ruin your chances. You have time to pull your Bs to As and that C to a B, possibly an A. Your semester grades do matter, but your final grade will matter more. It will be impressive and favorable to colleges if you pull your grades up by the end of the year.
If possible, take IB Math Studies next year.
Submit your ACT and complement it with a couple Subject tests (even if it’s not required).
Nothing’s wrecked and your GPA, as long as it stays above 3.7 UW, is fine.
Don’t focus on your dream schools - they’re easy to find and you’ll apply, but since they’re essentially lottery schools, you need to focus your time on finding good match and safety schools.
If you attend a very competitive HS, you should have a college adviser, make an appointment today to discuss what would be possible match and safety schools for you based on what you like (ie., urban/not urban, contained campus/not, LAC/Tech, small interactive classes, research opportunities, Honors program, etc.)
The above grades were first semester grades and they are finalized 
but this semester is better. I have 2 B’s, 3 B+'s, 1 A-, and 1 A so far and less than halfway into the second semester so hopefully I can show the colleges that I am capable of adjusting to the workload. Thanks!