Hi, so I’m in the second half of my freshman year and I got a 2.5 my first semester and this semester I should come out with somewhere around a 3.6 to a 3.8. The next three years I plan on getting at least a 3.9 if not a 4.0, and really changing my study habits. I really want to go to Yale as it is my dream school. I know lots of people get in with 3.7’s and 3.8’s with great SAT scores, but I was wondering if anyone had some insight. Thanks.
First off, as a freshman it’s a bit too early to be thinking of college applications . . . but as you’re already doing so, you need to expand your view to include appropriate colleges for your cumulative GPA, whatever that may be come the end of your junior year.
Secondly, colleges don’t view your GPA in a vacuum, but compare it to all other college bound students from YOUR high school. And, when you apply to college, your guidance counselor is asked to rate the rigor of your academic program, as selective colleges are interested in students who have taken the MOST DEMANDING course schedule at their high school and have done well. It’s a combination of both factors, not one or the other.
According to Yale’s Common Data Set (C10), 97% of admits are in the top 10% of their graduating class. (http://oir.yale.edu/sites/default/files/cds2015_2016_0.pdf). Does your cumulative GPA put you in the top 10% of your high school class? If not, that’s what you need to strive for. The closer you can be to the top 1% to 3%, the better your chances.
Lastly, colleges look for students who have made a positive impact on those around them. Your academic abilities in the classroom are only part of the equation. MIT has some great advice on their website which applies to Yale and all selective colleges. Please give it a read. http://mitadmissions.org/blogs/entry/applying_sideways