<p>Hi guys,
I need a little advice because I'm really starting to worry that my freshman year will prevent me from getting into any of the schools I'm look at. </p>
<p>First of all, I will say that I got a 2.9 in freshman year. In sophmore year that was pulled up to a 3.8 first semester and 4.1 second (on a 4.3 unweighted scale). I started the IB diploma this year and so far junior year semester 1 was a 3.8 and semester two looks as though it will be a 3.9-4.15. </p>
<p>I'm looking at applying to: Connecticut College ED, Colby, Boston College, Villanova, Trinity, Skidmore, Goucher, St. Lawrence and Dickinson next year. </p>
<p>Have I killed myself completely or is there still a chance? Also, is there anything you would suggest I do to explain freshman year? I didn't have a good system of organization and I was battling depression, which can be attested to by my GP.</p>
<p>I think you're definitely still in pretty good shape. Colleges will probably see that you got your act together as a sophomore and then performed well after that, and I don't think it'll work against you. You made a remarkable improvement. I don't think you need to explain freshman year.</p>
<p>I had family problems in my freshman year, only had a 3.3 GPA unweighed. but i pulled it up afterwards and ended up getting into most of my colleges (vanderbilt, emory, UNC Chapel Hill, Washington st. louis, Duke)</p>
<p>I Dont know how crappy i did fresh year..(2.5) i brought mine back up to one around a 3.4-3.5 this yr and im going to work on bringing mine even higher next year</p>
<p>alot of colleges create their own GPA's and completely disregard freshman year anyways (I think U of Michigan does this)
You'll be fine with all that improvement</p>
<p>Don't worry, you will be fine - colleges don't just get your overall GPA they get your entire transcript and they will see that you got things together. Just be ready to explain how you learned your lesson in interviews.</p>
<p>I think people often vastly overestimate the GPA needed for a "top" school. I had 3.4 cumulative GPA (UW) after second semester senior year, and my applications were quite successful.</p>
<p>"I think people often vastly overestimate the GPA needed for a "top" school."</p>
<p>Sorry, but i dont think you know what you're talking about. The GPA is THE most important factor when applying for top schools unless you have an awesome hook or have legacy going for you.</p>
<p>I suppose we should define "top." I got into Northwestern and Notre Dame, and, besides National Merit designation, had little in the way of hook or extracurriculars. Having a great GPA is well and good, but you don't need a 3.7.</p>
<p>I'd also like to point out that results may vary.</p>
<p>I haven't taken my SATs yet, but I'm scheduled to take the SAT I in May and SAT IIs in June (I'm taking Literature and World History) and I will be taking Spanish and Biology in the fall, as well as any extra SAT Is I need to do. </p>
<p>Based on practice test results I'm expecting a 710-750 cr, 610-650 m, 750-800w.</p>
<p>I will be applying as an international at schools where I am qualified to do so. I am a dual US/UK citizen and I have lived in England for 8 years.</p>
<p>I think colleges will appreciate the effort that you put in, and it really reflects how much work you have been doing in how you've been able to pull up your GPA and keep it there. good job! and good luck!</p>
<p>If you are applying for aid, you need to find out the school's policy if you are also applying as an international. Many schools have limited aid for internationals - its something you may need to be aware when composing your list.</p>
<p>Most applications have a weak spot - you are doing better academically now, so continue the trend! When it is application time, you will have to be sure that you carefully evaluate the selectivity of your schools - and have some safeties and matches that are not insanely competitive.</p>