Hi!
So, I have improved leaps and bounds. I went from a 72 average in 8th grade, to an 82 last year, and finally, an 88 this year. I’ve worked incredibly hard and I hope that schools will see that. But at the same time, I’m not a straight A student. Last year, I finished off with 2 C’s (A 75 in math and a 79 in History) I’ve definitely worked harder in these two classes, pulling them up to an 84 and a 90, but at the same time, I’m really scared that my past will make AO’s think I’m not capable.
Ugh, maybe I just want to hear myself talk. Either way.
Will my previous grades count more than those that I have now?
Keep in mind that colleges will not see your 8th grade GPA. Overall, a B-average is pretty good. There are a lot of colleges that would happy to accept you with that kind of GPA - provided you have solid SAT or ACT scores. Right now, I would focus on bringing your junior-year grades as high as you can - these are often very important for college admissions. Also, be sure to study for your SAT/ ACT. A stellar test score could help make up for some of the lower points in your application.
Good luck!
Thank you! But, this is for prep school admissions. Thank you anyways!
There is absolutely, positively, nothing you can do about it at this point. You will find out the admissions decision in 29 days. In the meanwhile, relax. Don’t worry about things that are out of your control. You may be well served by taking a break from College Confidential until M10.
29 days. Cue the anxiety.
Did you apply to a broad range of schools?
@karen0 The schools I applied to were Taft, Kent, Choate, Miss Porter’s, Tabor, Westminster, and Loomis. My SSAT scores were in the 77th%ile. I’m reapplying to a bunch of these schools and I don’t need any FA.
I think improvement is a good quality to have. If you show a school that you are trainable and really willing to improve, then that could make up for any low grades/scores.
It sounds like any school will be lucky to have you this fall. Taft and Choate will likely be looking for higher SSAT scores, not sure about Loomis, Miss Porter’s, Westminster and Tabor take a greater look at the whole student.
Did your recommenders comment on how much you have improved and on your work ethic?
@karen0 Do you think that means my chances for those two schools are slim to none? I loved both of them a lot and would love to be accepted (or at any school, really) My thing that makes me stand out are my extra-curriculars though (Nationally recognized, etc) and so I’m hoping those will help me a bit.
@thelittleswimmer My English teacher likes me a lot (She’s an alum of one of the schools I’m applying to and her sons go there currently) and my math teacher talked about my improvement even from the beginning of the year upwards. I know that they both like me and I think/hope they wrote nice things.
OMG any school would be lucky to have you. Schools want smart kids who aren’t total jerks! You are in no way a jerk! Scores do matter, but the character a person has matters more than if they got a point off of a test. You don’t need FA so that makes you even safer!! I promise you that come M10 you will smile. I’m not saying this because you’re an awesome person. But in a way I am. Eh, I dunno :).
Definitely agree with @UlButton. Your well-rounded personality should weigh 10000x more than your grades, I’m sure! Wishing you the best of luck on M10!
I love you all!