Rising Trend of GPA or Consistent GPA?

Applying to College
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<p>Hi all! I was just wondering whether the colleges tend to prefer a dramatic rise in GPA (say from a 3.5 to a 4.0 unweighted) or do they prefer a high consistent 3.8 GPA -- this is assuming that the courses taken contain the hardest AP/H's etc.</p>

<p>I was just wondering this just because my Freshman and the 1st semester of my Sophomore Year have not been so stellar. Since then, it has been a rising trend to a 4.0 unweighted or a 4.4 weighted. </p>

<p>Also, my highest SAT score is 2340 so I'm just wondering whether the rising trend from lackluster will hinder me?</p>

<p>If it will, how badly will this hurt me? This is also assuming my EC's are average.</p>

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<p>hey i'm pretty sure they like to see you rising...i visited a couple colleges and my guidance counselor also told me this...they like to see you challenge yourself and become better..so yeah rising is better i think lol, good luck</p>

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<p>College like to see a rising trend...</p>

<p>Consistently High GPA > Rising Trend > Consistently Low GPA > Lowering Trend.</p>

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<p>Thanks for the reply! Hopefully this can make up my terrible freshman year.</p>

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<p>Lowering trend is worse than a consistently low GPA?</p>

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<p>I'm in the same boat pretty much. Messed up freshman year with a 3.5 UW, 3.7 W. Not too bad though, but from here on out it's straight A's.</p>

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<p>^ Haha, Greens, you made me feel worse - I had an even worse GPA freshman year - 3.0. But now, however, I'm getting 4.0 UW and 4.4 W</p>

<p>I would also like to know an answer to SammyJankis91's question (nice reference to Memento btw)</p>

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<p>Actually, I think SammyJankis91 poses a true question.</p>

<p>I think lowering trend and consistently low depends on the grades. For instance, if you've had a stellar 4.0 UW up to Junior year and then start going down in a few B's junior year, I still think you can get into a decent college. It's definitely better than having a 2.0 all four years.</p>

<p>So, Lowering trend > consistently low unless, of course, it's a consistently low GPA that goes on a lowering trend. In that case, you're kinda screwed for the elite colleges at least</p>

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<p>^ That was what I was thinking...especially if the Junior year is loaded with tough AP classes. But I don't believe he meant a dramatic decrease.</p>

<p>For example, is it better to have a consistent 3.7 or a fall from a 4.4 to a 4.0 to a 3.7 to a 3.5?</p>

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<p>^ bumping; hopefully, somebody can answer.</p>

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<p>3.7 is not a bad GPA. It really depends on what classes you take too. There are no clear cut answers.</p>

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<p>Let's say your cumulative GPA is 3.5, for example.</p>

<p>3.7 Freshman year, 3.5 sophomore year, 3.3 junior year - that looks pretty bad.</p>

<p>3.5 F, 3.5 S, 3.5 J - that looks alright, consistent at least.</p>

<p>If the averages are about the same, a consistent GPA is preferable to a downward trend. Obviously it's better to have, say, 4.0-3.9-3.8 over a consistent 3.4...</p>