<p>This is a lot like the other post on Individual Grades vs. GPA, but I have another question. Sorry for the redundant posts all over the place.
Okay, I know what I'm about to propose is both highly ludicrous and somewhat out the window, but just play along, please.
A person gets 3 Bs in Freshman year, and then 2 Bs and 1 C in Sophomore year, then straight As Junior year, leaving himself with a 3.8something UW. Now, there's several pros here- a. the GPAs not that horrible b. there were a lot of APs and c. there was improvement, right?
So, is this person still precluded from the big ones, i.e. HYPS or Ivies? Top 10? 15? 20?
How phenomenal would the ECs, accomplishments, honors have to be to redeem? (Assume 2300+ SATs, 750+ on all SAT IIs, 4+ on all AP tests.)
Thorough answers and good advice much appreciated.</p>
<p>I am mostly an A and B student but I got the occassional C on my transcript </p>
<p>stop whining a C is definitely not the worst thing in world (have you seen the movie Hostel, I d much rather have a C than be them)</p>
<p>^irrelevant maybe, funny (at least in my mind)</p>
<p>but in all seriousness your life is not over with a C</p>
<p>Cool.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Would anyone happen to know what the elite guys, say, HYPS, would think? I know about their minimum API, but even considering that, would a C really preclude an applicant from getting in?</p>
<p>A C would not help you for HYPS. But it won't keep you from getting in, either. You're at a disadvantage to some of the other kids, but it all depends on the rest of your appy.</p>
<p>It won't help your cause, but its not going to kill you. I want to apply to some pretty competitive schools and I've gotten a C and a more than a few Bs. Trust me, its not the end of the world :)</p>
<p>Not precluded from HYPS and the like, albeit a bit disadvantaged.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies.
So, to what extent must the student go to have a good chance again? In terms of accomplishments? Just throw out examples, so I have a general idea.</p>
<p>"the elite guys" as you so charmingly put it, are deluged with apps from very good students. What they look for is something that sets you apart, something that explains why they're a strong fit for you. A person that is a brand shopper and just wants a highly rated school, any highly rated school (because it really doesn't matter which one you go to as long as you get that prestigious name on your diploma, right?), comes across as shallow and superficial. And THAT, not grades or scores, are what keep people out.</p>