Hi
Disclaimer: First off I am so so sorry to be that person. I really hope this doesn’t come off as neurotic or like a bragging post. I am genuinely curious about this
So my senior year, my grades are dropping a little bit. Not terrible per say, but enough that even I am raising eyebrows at it. Last year I took 4 AP classes, and in those classes recievef A pluses and solid A’s. This year, in the 4 I am taking I have straight A-s. ^ horrifying, ik:0^ ( that was heavy sarcasm). I think it honestly attributed to a lot of senioritis and my school changed our schedule, so in a quarter we are now doing a semesters worth of work for 4 classes instead of the normal amount for 8. We still have 8 classes, but periods 1-4 are first quarter and 5-6 are second. It moves very very quickly, and because of having only 4 classes my first quarter gpa has dropped by like .3. Now this is the part I was a little concerned about. I’m planning on applying to a few of the ivy leagues ( HYP + darty). I’m just wondering if this sudden grade drop, paired with what is normally a 25th percentile SAT would totally shoot my chances? My hopes aren’t high to begin with, but I’m willing to try. I’m just a little hesitant to spend close to 400 dollars if my chances are subliminal. I’m also like 99% sure I got rejected from Brown ED ( gotta love the IDOC rumor…) so that has me hesitat to submit more ivy applications as well.
Anyway, thank you so much I really appreciate all feedback. And thank you IMMENSELY for sitting through all of that lol.
The IDOC rumors… me too lol. If you’re a domestic applicant I would try to not get too caught up in it. As for your grades, I wouldn’t be that concerned. You can try to submit a comment along with the grades explaining the school’s new system and how it’s been hard to adjust. This year with COVID is different in general so don’t worry. If you really like the Ivies you want to apply to, just do it. Yes, it could be a waste of money but what if it isn’t? You never know…
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Thank you, I really appreciate your help and advice. This whole process is driving me crazy!
Don’t try to “explain” why you are “only” getting A- grades, blaming your schedule. That won’t come across positively.
You are entirely right. But I would like to say that by explaining it above, I’m not blaming the schedule, but it is something that is a little different. Besides it’s already included in the school report. I’m proud of my grades and know I’m working hard for them ( minus the senioritis part🙃). I’m just thinking with those crazy competitive schools like who the heck knows what they’re thinking? With acceptance rates like that it seems like any little thing matters. I’m not letting myself get my hopes up too much anyway, but I would like to put my best effort forward.
I do appreciate the feedback tho👍
I think a lot of students’ grades are slipping a bit and it’s understandable. You didn’t mention what your ECs or awards are, or whether your essays/LORs are good, or if you know. If you feel confident in them (regardless of comparing yourself to others), then I would do it if you feel that they are good fits for you. I also wonder if you really want to submit an SAT score in the 25th percentile. I would make sure you talk to someone knowledgeable about this before doing the RD round if you don’t get into Brown.
That IDOC rumor sounds like another attempt to read tea leaves and I get that it’s inevitable but it doesn’t do anything good for your psyche. Try your best not to have your self esteem linked to getting into any one school because the numbers are just so crazy and can go any which way! I would go onto one of the ivy forums and ask the advice of some of the moderators because they are very helpful.
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It really is. I applied ED to Dartmouth and decisions were sort of supposed to come out today based on tradition but they didn’t so now I’m going extra crazy. Add in the IDOC drama and I’m certifiably insane.
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That is my exact situation with Brown, they were supposed to come out today too. They good news is it’s just one application of many, and nothings set in stone yet
Definitely feeling the certifiably insane part too lol
This is super helpful thank you! I put my all in the essays and my recommenders wrote some letters that really made me smile. I have a fair amount of extracurricular stuff but it’s not super concentrated in one area. I had some varsity sports, some club leadership, jobs, and then like walking dogs lol. I will reconsider the SAT for sure, and look to those forums! Thanks again!
Hopefully, I don’t have to submit any more applications!!! I’m trying to be realistic though. I saw that you applied to YYGS last year. I applied too but got waitlisted and didn’t accept… you’re already in a better place than I am! Good luck 
I have my fingers crossed for you, I hope you get in!! And with YYGS, a spot on the waitlist is crazyyyy good, especially considering how many people applied!
did you not waive your right to read rec letters? I hear that’s a pretty big deal.
not sure if make-or-break, but significant nonetheless.
I’m in the same boat as you! Also ED’d to Brown, also had a grade slip for my first term of senior year. I got a B for the first time in three years. Hopefully they won’t emphasize it as much this year though. Good luck!
Some teachers may voluntarily offer to show you your letters of recommendation. But you shouldn’t expect or ask to see them *if you’ve signed the FERPA waiver.Sep 14, 20 - college vine
I did waive my rights, but from what I understand you can’t directly ask to see if before they send. They all sent it to me before putting it on common app so that’s how I saw:) I think Ferpa is also more directed towards if you get into a college you can’t see the AOs wrote about you during the admissions process
Thank you , you too! I’m getting more and more nervous the closer Thursday gets haha. If it makes you feel any better I know someone who got in last year with a B junior or senior year. Don’t worry about it too much:)