Most Demanding schedule, high SAT scores, mediocre gpa

Parents Forum
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<p>I took 4 APs and a science course regarded in my school to be as difficult as an AP course, as a junior.... big mistake, ended up with 3 A's and 4'Bs.</p>

<p>Combined with the first 2 years, this is my gpa...</p>

<p>UW: 3.6</p>

<p>However, I'm taking only 3 APs (AP Stat, AP Calc BC, AP Bio), 2 honors (History and English) and I'm already finding it noticeably easier, workload wise.</p>

<p>Q #1: Could a good 1st semester senior GPA prove to adcoms that I can withstand a rigorous courseload?</p>

<p>Q #2: My college counselor said my schedule was the "Most Demanding," would this label hold any significance in college admissions?</p>

<p>Edit: 1-sitting SAT, 1540/1600, 2250/2400, 770 SAT 2 math, will take US history and literature in october</p>

<p>I'm not planning to apply to any Ivies, but to ""lower ranked""" colleges like Boston College, NYU, Boston Uni, Emory, Villanova, etc.</p>

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<p>Can you and your family afford NYU?</p>

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<p>Yes, a good first semester GPA will help. Having that “Most demanding” box checked is a great thing, and your test scores are very good. Your list is good. Make sure you have a safety in there.</p>

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<p>@Madison85 Our family can pay for NYU but as I’m learning more about the effect $60k+/year have on families, even for those who can pay full tuition, I’m having doubts applying there. Of course, their paltry financial aid does not help.</p>

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<p>Not all Bs are equal. For some a 92 is a B in an AP course. For others, 81 is also a B. How does your weighted GPA compare if the school gives boosts AFTER the final score is on the transcript? Some teachers are known to NOT give a single UW A in the class. </p>

<p>Checking the “most demaning” box is a formality at most competitive HS. Do not expect much from that GC survey. Yet, it does not mean the GC will not help as a more fully developed narrative might help. Enlist every teacher who gave you a B and ask them to describe the class, the difficulty of the course, the grade distribution (if they agree to share it) etc. Take those letters to the GC and ask him/her to attach it to the school profile and perhaps add comments. </p>

<p>Coupled with your great scores, you should be fine at the school listed, and even more competitive schools. You just might habe to work a bit higher on getting the correct description of your school classes. </p>

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<p>@xiggi what is a “GC survey”?</p>

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<p>The form the GC sends to colleges. </p>

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<p>GC = Guidance Counselor</p>

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<p>1st and last bump</p>

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<p>If your family can afford to pay for NYU, what is your issue? There are plenty of colleges that will accept you. </p>