Junior Year vs. First Two Years?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi Everybody,</p>

<p>I am a senior this year at a top 500 high school with a college app question that I have received differing opinions on.</p>

<p>My first two years of high school, I slacked off in all-honors classes and ended up with a 2.87 GPA unweighted going into junior year. It was junior year where I turned it around and had a 3.54 unweighted GPA for the year with two AP classes and another honors course. My overall GPA for high school is about a 3.05 unweighted now.</p>

<p>I understand colleges like to see an upward trend in grades on a resume, but just how much do they weight junior year compared to the first two years of school. I have been told by some to not apply early anywhere to show schools my continued good grades for the first trimester of my senior year. I have been told by others I should apply early since schools let a much higher percentage in, and that option is very tempting for me.</p>

<p>What are your thoughts on this matter? How much do they weight junior year compared to the first two years of school? Should I apply early anywhere? Any input would be greatly appreciated.</p>

<p>Other info about me: 1290 SAT score (math+verbal), 4 year soccer player (2 years varsity), an editor of the school newspaper, blackbelt in karate, control a $10,000+ baseball card "business", other various community service activities, and work experience. I also will have solid teacher and guidance recommendations.</p>

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<p>
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I have been told by some to not apply early anywhere to show schools my continued good grades for the first trimester of my senior year. I have been told by others I should apply early since schools let a much higher percentage in, and that option is very tempting for me.

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</p>

<p>Both have merit. </p>

<p>General consensus of order of importance: Jr>Sr (course rigor & mid-year grades for RD)>Sop>Fr.</p>

<p>Many schools accept a higher percentage of applicants early vs. RD, however in some colleges the difference is small in others it's substantial. The caveat is that it is often said that the early pool has applicants with stronger stats than in RD, and can include athletes and other kids with hooks.</p>

<p>Your question of whether to apply early or wait has been discussed on several threads lately, do a Search or look through the most recent pages of this forum.</p>