<p>Academics:</p>
<p>GPA - Unweighted: 3.60 (school doesn’t weight, but I’m taking the most rigorous classes)
Class Rank: top 25%
Class Size: 500</p>
<p>Scores:</p>
<p>I have mostly Bs, and I had a C in BC Calculus as a sophomore for both semesters. Will this effect my chances of getting in? Would it be better to take an easier math class with a better grade, or a harder one with a C? I’m really worried; I also have a C in Spanish honors right now.</p>
<p>SAT I Math: 780
SAT I Critical Reading: 670
SAT I Writing: 710
ACT: 31
SAT II Math Level 2 (IIC): 780
SAT II Biology - M: 640
SAT II Chemistry: 720</p>
<p>Extracurriculars:</p>
<p>School art magazine Gallery Editor, 1 year; Editor-in-Chief, 1 year
Jade Ribbon Campaign founder and Vice President, 2 years; President 1 year
School art show Publicity Chair, 1 year; Co-Vice President, 2 years</p>
<p>Piano, 12 years
Figure Skating, 8 years
JV Badminton, 1 year
JV Track and Field, 2 years</p>
<p>300 hours of community service </p>
<p>Honors and Awards: </p>
<p>Certificate of Merit (piano)-Advanced Level
Presidents Award for Community Service-3 times (by the time I graduate)</p>
<p>I will probably do a summer college program at Barnard the summer before my senior year :)</p>
<p>When I visited Columbia, they were obsessed with grade point average. I believe the admission’s person’s quote was “We could fill this room with 2400s, but that’s not what’s important to us. What is important to us is performance in the classroom.”</p>
<p>And that’s why we thank God Barnard isn’t Columbia. However, I think they relate on this issue. Barnard looks for a pretty high GPA. But when I visited Barnard, they gave the option of submitting an additional essay that allows you to explain why you received those grades. For me, I am an English major through and through. That’s what I want to focus on at Barnard and my whole life. My math and science grades were not as stellar as my English and Latin grades and I took lower classes.</p>
<p>Should you take an easier math class? Maybe. I’m not the one to judge this. Talk to your school councilor. Your school seems pretty strong in academics, so I’m sure she’ll know a thing or two about Barnard and Ivy Leagues.</p>
<p>I do NOT discourage you from trying to get in. Your other stats are quite good. VERY good, in fact. Piano for 15 years? That’s dedication! Try to mellow out your grades in senior year, if you can.</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>Thank you so much for your feedback, smartundecided!</p>
<p>It is usually best to take the hardest classes that you can do well in. Most college admissions don’t seem to care that the class was difficult when they see the “C” on the transcription.</p>
<p>I think Barnard looks more at GPA than test scores. That being said, you should focus on doing your very best from here out and it’s a fact that you cannot get admitted unless you apply…</p>
<p>Nobody here can really tell you your “chances”…</p>
<p>Barnard says to take challenging courses in subjects that you are good and and the required courses in subjects you are not so good at.</p>
<p>Closing old thread.</p>