My Class Rank Situation and My Future

Pre-College Topics High School Life
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<p>I PROMISE THIS IS ENTERTAINING.</p>

<p>I'm sorry it's so long. I usually write long things--I have like no control over it. But you won't regret reading it.. </p>

<p>If you've taken the time to click and read this, you just gave me hope and made me very happy. Please take the time to read the whole thing; I need honest, real, and productive answers that will help in my future. I can't be the only one who's ever felt like this or has been in my shoes. </p>

<p>First, I'd like to give a little background information on myself, so everyone can know what kind of student I am. I'm not intending to brag at all; I'm a really shy and quiet person and I don't intend to show myself off. I honestly just want you guys to understand where I'm coming from. </p>

<p>I skipped first grade and studied 4th and 5th grade at the same time in a full-time gifted program at a certain elementary school in my state. In middle school, I didn't follow the normal path in math and science. For math, I studied Algebra 1 and Geometry at the same time in 7th grade in one classroom and "dual enrolled" high school in eighth grade for Algebra 2 every morning before my middle school's 1st period. </p>

<p>Upon entering high school, I had no guidance from an older sibling (only child) or any connections in the high school to help me for choosing my schedule. I had no idea about class rank or valedictorian. These were my Freshman year classes: </p>

<p>AP Biology
Band 2
Piano 2
English 1 G/H
Pre-Calculus
World Geography
Spanish 2 </p>

<p>The AP Biology and Pre-Calculus made me stand out with administration and students because no one as a Freshman ever took those classes. But I had no idea how much that Piano and World Geography would negatively impact my gpa. I bet you're wondering why I didn't take AP human. I honestly had no idea how AP would affect me that way. I regret not having more information but there was honestly no one around to give me it. </p>

<p>I've never gotten less than A in any class, so presumably, I had straight A's. Not knowing why my GPA was so low, only a 4.315??? I was so worried that I was doing something wrong. In my AP Bio class, I became friends with some upperclassmen that made me realize what happened: the piano and world geo really dumped my gpa because they weren't honors. Maybe if I had known about class rank and how it's weighted, I wouldn't made that mistake! </p>

<p>So... after semester 1 my class rank was THIRTY THREE. This is out of 692 freshmen. Okay I'm not trying to be a brat--but considering the type of student I was and the way I work hard through a health condition I have (crohn's and NG tube feeding) I was really disappointed in myself. Then I realized why I was so low and it was pretty revealing. After second semester my rank went to 16 and my counselor said that was because many freshmen couldn't handle their AP Human class and got B's. </p>

<p>Okay... I guess you could say I realized my mistake and made sure not do it again. It took me three weeks to decide on my Sophomore schedule and make it as strong as possible. I had limited classes offered for Sophomores. </p>

<p>But something happened inbetween this time. I learned about valedictorian and my chances.</p>

<p>People started telling me I would be the future Valedictorian. So that's something I heard about in books and movies but for some reason, I didn't know it was linked to class rank. I thought it was chosen by the school or was voted on--but apparently in my school,, it's all about the grades and classes you take and nothing else. WELL THAT WOULD BE NICE TO KNOW--one year ago.. :( But everyone reassured me freshmen year class ranks are too general and don't count as much, and my AP Bio class still evens me out with whoever took AP human. We each have 1 AP, so I'm not exactly behind. </p>

<p>Then I learned about a major competition. Let's call him SP but that's not his real name or initials. His brother was our class valedictorian three years ago, and apparently, he's entered this school in the hopes of breaking his brother's GPA record and becoming the valedictorian. I try not to feel threatened by other people, because I want to believe in my own chances and abilities. I'm not the type to become jealous or to try to sabotage people. But something he has is cockiness. He acts as if he already knows he's valedictorian, but nothing has been determined. I really dislike the characteristic of overconfidence, and putting other people down to win or making yourself look better. I am not going to be untruthful--he's also very smart. He's also Gifted. He's a very Science-y person and he definitely has potential for valedictorian-yet, he's not very quiet about it. </p>

<p>Of course, I got a little nervous. Who wouldn't? But just like the Arabian horses in the Kentucky Derby, one must keep going as if they see nothing to their left or right. I will not let myself be distracted by him.</p>

<p>So upon learning of all these things, he approached me and began opening a passage of friendship. He somehow knew my name and everything about me. I let him become friends, but I'm still wary. </p>

<p>I chose the best possible classes that were available as a sophomore. No one else is taking the AP Calc--it's just because of that stuff in middle school and precalc last year.</p>

<p>English 2 G/H
AP Calculus AB
AP Chemistry
AP Environmental Science
AP World History
Wind Ensemble (Band)
Spanish 3 H</p>

<p>This is definitely MUCH better than last year, right? I haven't checked my freshman concluding class rank after the final report cards but I doubt it changed much... Please let me know what you think of these classes. </p>

<p>School starts for me on Monday... it's Saturday right now, so I have literally two days until a fierce competition starts. Without even wanting to really, I'm a part of this fight to the top (valedictorian). I made it my goal to become top ten before I entered high school, but then I learned about valedictorian, and I thought why not? </p>

<p>I learned of my other competitor's schedule, and he's only taking 3 AP classes... He didn't take AP world history because he hates history.. what does that make me? A higher rank? I've never gotten less than straight A's so I will definitely go for straight A's. Do you think if I try for 95 and above averages my class rank will be higher than a normal A grade? </p>

<p>Please give me advice, motivation, ideas, or ANYTHING. It has become so important to me. </p>

<p>I appreciate you if you read this. You are truly amazing :) </p>

2

<p>Listen - I understand your situation. I was in a very similar situation as you early HS. Freshman year, I took no honors. Sophomore year, I took one honors. Summer before junior year I was “forced” into a summer school class that focused on the college admissions process and we had to look at some potential universities. That was sort of a wake-up call for me. I didn’t realize before that how much my decisions would have affected my HS career. I’m not going to place the blame on anyone, but I really wish I had known the weight of class rigor and class rank when I was a freshman. My rank is 19% (out of a class of ~360-380), despite me having a roughly 3.7 GPA, I’ve gotten a ratio of about 5:3 A to B throughout my years. Junior year I took 3 AP, senior year I’m taking 4. I hope they notice this change!</p>

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<p>It depends on your school’s weighting system. Does your school have a “special” grade for those who do really well in a class? Regardless, most high schools give a higher weight to getting an A in an AP class than getting an A in a regular (or sometimes just an honors class). Nevertheless, assuming this year, both you and your ‘friend’ get all A’s, you’d have the higher overall weighted GPA if you’re taking more AP classes than he is.</p>

<p>Nonetheless, do not worry about it. You are in the top 10% of your class. Pick 9 other random kids at your school, and you are the best out of them academically, statistically speaking. Being in the top 10% (preferably top 5%) will make you competitive for just about all the universities in America. </p>

<p>I understand that you feel the need to compete with this guy because he’s cocky and proud. Don’t let that worry you. It becomes pretty common for kids in the top 10, 20, etc. to get a little greedy and want Valedictorian. Being valedictorian doesn’t really make you “better” than any of your academic peers. It could be a difference of .02 WGPA between #1 and #2, because maybe a classmate did a stupid mistake in a class project freshman year that resulted in you getting an A-, or something silly like that. Being in the top 10% of a class of 692 is very impressive. You’ve done very well. </p>

<p>Nevertheless, AP biology freshman year is almost unheard of. When you’re applying to colleges that will be sure to raise some eyebrows - same as taking Pre-Calculus. Hell, I’m going to be a senior this fall taking Pre-Calculus. Taking such a challenging class freshman year is great, especially if you got an A.</p>

<p>Good luck, just stay honest. Many valedictorians lose their status because they cheated or did a felony or something like that. Play the game, don’t cheat, but at this point, there’s no real way you can actually lose it :P</p>

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<p>Thank you so so so much for taking the time to reply to me!! Yes, AP is 5.0, honors/gifted is 4.5, and standard is 4.0 :slight_smile: So weighted, a lot could happen!! I’m glad you understand me:) it’s really all very stressful… I will definitely never cheat, but thanks for your luck; I’ll need it!! :)) </p>

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<p>IMHO
Making this a personal vendetta against a specific person is destructive.
Making him a villain, blaming him for your lack of knowledge in how high school works is unproductive.
He has made friendly gestures to you but you have declared him overconfident, cocky, when you don’t really know him at all.
The top students in high school all take the same courses together the last few years so the chance he and you will be working together on group projects is very good.</p>

<p>Don’t be talking about him behind his back and getting people to choose between him and you.
All this anger can’t be good for your Crohn’s.
Again, IMHO.</p>

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<p>You’ll come out on top if you work hard. Try to aim for 97+ because those are main GPA boosters. You can do this, but it takes a lot of motivation and time…and effort. If you’re taking more AP’s than him, then that can be a good or bad thing. If he does really well on all of his AP’s and you even make a 93 on ONE, then your Valedictorian chances are basically flushed down the toilet. I cannot stress to you how important that you do good is. I’m a Junior, and my district doesn’t offer Valedictorian. We either graduate with High Honors-3.0 to 3.49. Higher Honors-3.50 to 3.99, or Highest Honors-4.00+. It’s not really fair for the people who try hard for Valedictorian, but at least I’m graduating with Highest Honors. Since you are good with math, then you will be fine with AP Calculus AB and AP Chemistry. AP Environmental Science involves very little math, but I assume that you’ll do fine because people who are good in math, usually do well in science. Do NOT take AP classes that you are not interested in because it can and WILL bring down your GPA. Studies show that students do better in subjects they appreciate, and flunk in subjects they don’t like. You’re an intelligent individual, and I think that you will come out on top. Even if you aren’t in 1st place, the top 5 is something that you should be proud of. </p>

<p>Good luck! I’m supporting you all the way, and I would like to hear feedback!</p>

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<p>Oh, I don’t hate him at all. He’s actually kind of cute :wink: We happen to be really good friends and FaceTime like all the time, and we even told each other we wouldn’t be over-competitive and the game would be totally fair. So we know each other pretty well. He thinks I’m a genius and I tell him that HE’S a genius, so it’s kind of funny. We both think we have potential for valedictorian. What I like about him is that he’s okay with being good friends throughout this all.
I’m sorry you thought I was talking bad about him–I wasn’t. I’ve told him he can be arrogant sometimes and he says it’s “because he’s Indian” lol. I should have clarified that we’re actually good friends and know each other well. And I’m not making you guys choose between us… that wouldn’t make sense for me to do because you guys don’t know either of us that way! :slight_smile: Plus, he’s my friend so I wouldn’t want you guys choosing.
And this isn’t a personal vendetta–just to clear that up. I actually do think that being valedictorian would be a major plus for a college application, and I’d like to work hard for something like that. But if it doesn’t happen, I won’t beat myself up over it. Because like you said, it can’t be good for my Crohn’s. But please do not bring up my condition like that :frowning: </p>

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<p>TacoPerson, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! :’) I appreciate your thoughtful reply!! That gives me so much hope and motivation. And you just taught me something knew!!–I will aim for the highest average I can get in my classes then!! I’m up for working hard! :slight_smile: </p>

<p>And I will definitely keep you all updated! </p>

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<p>whoops I meant new** what an embarrassing typo</p>

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<p>I didn’t even notice! If you can, taking online AP classes would also help too! If your school doesn’t offer one that you want to take, then take it online! AP Environmental Science is easy online, but you’re taking it this year. AP Human Geo is easy too!</p>

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<p>The only class my school doesn’t offer is AP microeconomics so I should take that online!! </p>

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<p>I’ve only taken 5 AP’s. One in my Freshman year, and four in my Sophomore year. We are almost in the same position, except class rank doesn’t worry me. My Junior year hasn’t started yet, and I’m only taking 3 because of the ACT, but do not do like me. When you can pick your classes for Junior, take more than 3! Junior year is REALLY important to colleges!</p>

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<p>Here’s an idea. How about you forget entirely, and I mean entirely, about class rank, competition, and all the unnecessary and unhappy drama you are wallowing in and focus on taking the classes you are interested in and the ones which will prepare you for college and life? It’s especially sad that you view a friendly high achieving classmate as competition. How about you instead welcome him as a friend and look forward to having some intellectual stimulation?</p>

<p>Seeing what ranking each kid numerically in their class does to the kids and the school atmosphere makes me sick. I am so glad our school does not pit students against each other like this.</p>

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<p>tacoperson, that’s so true about junior year. I heard it will be the hardest year out of all 4! My counselor told me to take 6, and if I am not in band anymore, then 7. But I don’t want to make myself sick over this hahah, I still would want to have band as a sort of extracurricular, you know? And I wish you luck on the ACT!! I’m pretty nervous about SAT… :confused: </p>

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<p><a href=“Why taking choir kept me from being a Valedictorian: Austin Channell at TEDxColumbus - YouTube”>Why taking choir kept me from being a Valedictorian: Austin Channell at TEDxColumbus - YouTube; i think this video will help you get some perspective. I always recommend it to people who are worried about becoming valedictorian. Its entitled “why taking choir kept me from being valedictorian”. Basically it explains how this is a flaw in the system and how it doesn’t actually matter in the long run.</p>

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<p>I’m going to watch that right now!! :slight_smile: </p>

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<p>As long as you’re in the top 10% or so, it really doesn’t matter. Valedictorian is a silly game and everyone knows it, including college admission people. At a certain point, your class rank says nothing about your merit. When the only difference between the person above you is that he/she had a different and more difficult teacher for AP Underwater Basket Weaving… Do you really think that matters? I’m sure that video talks about this. Just keep that in mind. </p>

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<p>That is very true. I will not stress myself out over it :slight_smile: </p>

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<p>I’m not sure whether this has been resolved or not, but you’re 16/692 aka in the top 3% of your class(a huge class at that). Trust me you’re beyond fine.</p>

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<p>Not to be too blunt, but why do you care so much about being number 1? Instead of using your brain to beat out some guy in some high school rankings that literally nobody will care about the second you get to college, I suggest that you really get involved with your passions. You and this guy :wink: sound like you’d make a good team. Instead of competing against each other, I suggest that you two become a team. How? I don’t know. Work in some great project or EC together. Paris Geller and story Gilmore made a fantastic team (you’re probably too young to get this reference). But I suggest that you really relax or else…well it will go down hill from here. Just because someone’s rank is higher than yours, it doesn’t mean they’re better or smarter than you. Plus once junior year hits, I can say that you’re more than likely going to improve your ranking drastically. You will have come in with a wealth of experience in juggling tough courses and your main concern will only be SAT testing. So don’t be surprised if you end up being val or sal.
One other piece of advice, you don’t want to look back at these years negatively. You need to have fun and really delve deeper into learning about things that you truly care about/ have passion for. Don’t waste too much time fretting over a pretty random number. I was so worried about how I was going to juggle what I have on my plate and the rankings that I did pretty bad. But this summer I have pretty much gone over the entire curriculum for junior year because I found that I really liked learning and something finally clicked. As a result, my ranking will probably go up. But when you are truly enjoying what you’re doing and you’re great at it, the accolades and whatnot will follow. This guy sounds like he could be am awesome friend, not a hurdle to jump over. Enjoy your sophomore and live your life. Ambition is great, but please do not turn into Macbeth. :)</p>

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<p>Thank you for all these thoughtful and super helpful answers!! I appreciate it oh-so much!! I will definitely take them all to heart. And also thank you to you guys for believing in me and motivating me! I will not stop being the best student I can be, but will also have fun, enjoy what I’m learning, and have a good time :slight_smile: I can’t wait to let you all know how it goes!! Will keep you posted :D</p>