<p>With the college admissions process coming to a close in 1.5-2.5 months, I feel very worried about my drop in grades. OK - I know that grades aren't everything, but mine dropped from As to Bs. Have I screwed up and gone too far?</p>
<p>This semester, I opted to taked 5 AP classes (physics c, comp sci, gov/pol, language and comp, calc BC). I didn't expect to get As - but I also didn't realize that would mean I'd be getting Bs. Specifically, I had a cumulative GPA of 3.94-3.95 freshman to junior year. I never got below an A-. Unfortunately, I'll have 4 Bs (B to B-) and 3 As to A-s. I'm so depressed about this :(</p>
<p>As a student with okay test scores (2110 SAT, 33 ACT <superscored), have I wrecked my chances of getting into the elite, selective schools (think Ivy, top 20)? If you're questioning my ECs, I'm the captain of a sports team, club officer, have done research, and have volunteered a bunch.</p>
<p>Will colleges take into account my difficult schedule when reviewing the mid-year report? Or will my negative trend be an automatic rejection?</p>
<p>My single highest ACT was a 31. However, most of my schools only consider highest subscores (and I made sure to send my 3 sittings). My recalculated GPA will most likely be a high 3.8x (after I get my finals scores back).</p>
<p>If possible, have your counselor make a point to note in your mid-year report that your grades dropped a little because you were making a point of challenging yourself, and see if she will note if any one of those APs is known in your school for being particularly difficult.</p>
<p>@purpleacorn My counselor has already volunteered to mention that I had a particularly difficult schedule my senior year, and in fact, encouraged me to drop one of the APs (comp sci). She is very supportive of me. I hope dropping a class isn’t a horrible idea.</p>
<p>@Catria But going from 3.8-4.0 grades in all classes and then, when faced with a tough schedule, getting 3.2-3.5 (in certain classes) looks awful.</p>
<p>It would help if you posted your whole schedule. But overall, this is definitely going to hurt. Your courseload is probably about average for Cornell and similar schools, but the grades are low. In short, your grades call into question if you’ll be able to “do the work” at these intense schools. I would say Brown and Cornell are out of reach but I don’t know about the other schools. Best of luck.</p>
<p>It’ll hurt your chances somewhat and won’t look so great when compared with all your higher previous grades. Nonetheless, colleges will take into account the difficult courseload i.e. Calc BC, Physics C, etc. so I wouldn’t get overly stressed out about it</p>
<p>Ok, well, I’m hoping it doesn’t hurt my application too much. If I finish with a 3.3ish average in the semester, will that put me out of reach even for Boston College.</p>
<p>@ember - Phew… I mean, I really want to go to school in Boston. I was recruited by the top 2 schools there (albeit a little late in the process so no liklies…), but would NOT dissatisfied going to BC. I didn’t apply to BU because I don’t think I’d like it there, but I like BC so keep your fingers crossed. :)</p>
<p>I haven’t had this experience yet but i know that i could if i take 5 AP classes next year. I think it depends on the college (about whether it helps or hurts you), but if you had a kickass application (great essay, scores, etc.) then i think you should be okay. B’s are still good, esp. if they are high B’s. Fingers are crossed for you! :D</p>
<p>Really you’re fine. It looks a bit concerning, but it won’t be a reason for you to not be admitted if you were going to be admitted before. Don’t think that you’re gonna be rejected because of a fee B’s. I had 5 B’s total, 3 my senior year in AP English and AP Calc. I got inti great schools (UChicago, Vassar, Wesleyan). Just calm down and wait and don’t worry.</p>