Question about GPA, Rank, and Individual Grades?

<p>Do Individual grades matter in relation to the overall GPA and Rank. For instance, as of now (Junior Year) I have a 3.25 UW/3.87 W GPA. I think if all goes well, by the middle of Senior Year I can have at least a 3.5 UW/4.2 W GPA which should at least give me a slight chance at the colleges I'm looking at (Duke, Notre Dame, Columbia). A 4.2 W GPA should put me in at least the top 10 percent in my class. But my individual grades have never been the most consistent. I have gotten my fair share of Cs before (3, but they've been in AP classes). I just wanted to know if my individual grades mattered if my GPA and Rank were high enough already.</p>

<p>*Oh and I'm very well aware that no one is guaranteed a spot at any college, I just want to know that my transcript will at least be considered.</p>

<p>thanks</p>

<p>Rank matters, GPA matters, end-of-year grades matter. A C on a homework assignment won’t make a huge difference, but a C in a class for the year could pose as a problem.</p>

<p>I’m not going to lie. A couple of "C"s on your transcript automatically puts you at a disadvantage unless you have killer ECs or are a URM.</p>

<p>Furthermore, a 4.2 by the middle of senior year won’t do you any good if you’re planning on applying anywhere early.</p>

<p>Do GPAs really matter as much as rank though? Let’s face it, some schools practice extreme grade deflation and at one school a 3.2 might land you in top 5% while a 3.7 at another might give top 20%, and colleges know that (I would hope so atleast).</p>

<p>@go4cornell: obviously you are reviewed in context. This is why your guidance counselors send information about your school to the colleges you apply to.</p>

<p>Ahhh, ok. Are internationals viewed by country/region? Because I heard they dump all of them into one big pile and which country you come from doesn’t matter.</p>

<p>GPA and SAT are most important. Rank is a little less important. But then there’s ECs, interview, essays, etc</p>

<p>Just so we are clear. </p>

<p>GPA>Rank>Individual Grades</p>

<p>But I also understand that there are other factors involved in relation to College Admissions.</p>