<p>Recently I have been very depressed because of my 1st semester grades this year (Sophomore year). I really want to go into the engineering field, more specifically, Aeronautical engineering. It is a dream of mine to work in that field.</p>
<p>My Freshman year grades were decent:
Chemistry-A
Advanced Algebra 2-A
Spanish 2-A
Lit/Comp 10-A
Health/P.E.-A
Electives(CAD 1, Soc. Anthro)-A
AP U.S. Hist.-B first semester A second semester</p>
<p>Sophomore Year baddd (1st semester):
Health/P.E.-A
Spanish 3-A
AP Lang-A
AP Bio-A
AP Gov-A
AP Psych-A
AP Calc AB-C</p>
<p>As you can probably infer, the C is what I am referring to when I say "badddd grades." I feel like a possible explanation for this is the fact that I took Pre-Calculus at a community college, in an attempt to catch up to some other kids at my school, which gave me a shaky foundation for calculus. Anyway, enough with the excuses, I just want to know if I even have a chance of still going to a top school with my grades... Is it still possible for me to go into engineering?
P.S. If it matters, I also do several extracurriculars as well like Varsity Tennis, Debate, Science Fairs, internships, volunteering, etc.</p>
<p>Take it from me, I don’t think you should stress just keep doing well. I’m a senior and I got into USC with a B- in art from 9th grade. Colleges admire upward trends and they take other things into account like the SAT(study hard), essays, and extracurriculars because they want more than grade-grubbing zombies attending their schools.</p>
<p>Now, I really have an issue with this; you are freaking out and getting depressed because one letter. Do not let that letter define who you are; do not let it control your life. Okay, hear me out. I do not obsess over grades; some may say I am a fool for doing that. However, success is not summarized in a transcript of numbers and letters. Success is defined by your life; success is a continuous journey, not a destination. Now, personally, I can say that this current school system was not the right thing for me. I would have been better off being home schooled and self taught. I am happy for you that you have gotten better grades than me. Does that mean I am jealous? Not really, I can say for a fact that I did not let a letter or number run my life. Who knows, I just have a very unconventional view on life. That does not mean I am dumb, in fact I am very intelligent. I just see life differently than you do. </p>
<p>So the bottom line is don’t obsess over numbers and letters… Let your actions speak.</p>
<p>I had one C freshman year and one C sophomore year, and got into Notre Dame (rejected 50% of 2400SAT apps and 70% of val apps) unhooked. Upward trends are important, and the rest of the app is also really important.</p>