So I’m really interested in applying Early Decision for Columbia, but my 3.9 GPA (UW) fell to 3.8 due to junior’s second semester.
It’s kind of frustrating to see how the school only offers one decimal instead of two, because it probably would be 3.88 or 3.89.
I’d have to turn in the current transcript which has 'til the end of junior year with 3.8 if I were applying Early, but with Regular I could turn in with the first semester of senior year and I could really work hard to get 3.9 again.
My first choice is definitely Columbia, and my plan was always to plan Early for this college. But now that I think of how my regular application could have a 3.9 GPA but my Early would have 3.8, I’m seriously considering what I should do.
Also, my class rank remained the same even though my overall grade in second semester junior decreased, and I also took really rigorous classes such as IB Math SL, IB Physics, Applied Physics 1, etc. Will the college officers know this?
Thanks in advance.
.1 GPA point is not going to be the difference between accept/admit. I would still apply ED because I think any boost in admissions chances ED could possible give you would far outweigh the decrease in admissions chances of a .1 GPA drop.
Also, you don’t know yet if you really will increase your GPA next semester. It could possibly drop more and then you may regret not applying ED.
You can also have your counselor send your progress report for the first grading period/quarter as soon as it’s available to be added to your application file if your school has those.
You can update the GPA. If columbia is clearly your first choice and comparing financial aid packages is not necessary, then absolutely apply ED.
But in most cases, the fall semester grades won’t be set until after the decision process is complete. And again, what matters, OP, isn’t the GPA number as much as what grades in what classes, especially those related to the possible major.
Most schools recalculate GPA based on their own criteria (ex. academic classes only) so I would not worry too much about how it is rounded on your HS transcript. I don’t think a 02 GPA difference will get you in or keep you out of any college.
Most elites don’t. They look at the transcript. The kid who wants engineering and got a B in AP calc is different than if that B was in history.
I’m applying for Industrial Engineering but I got a B in Biology and that is probably why the GPA was lowered to 3.8. It’s just kinda devastating to see my 3 years of effort turn into 3.8 just because of the last semester… :((
No need for a pity party. Colleges will look at your transcript and make their own gpa calculation. And like others have told you, a B in some class is not going to be what changes you from a strong to a weak candidate.
Many schools with The EA/ED will require some sort of interim report for first semester be sent
In terms of updating, I meant when it comes to RD (i.e. after a deferral potentially). If you get rejected ED then the extra 0.1 was definitely never going to matter anyway.
At this point, June, you have months to make this decision. So turn to what makes you a good match for Columbia or others. Do the digging and vetting so your app best presents you. Again, that’s much, much more than the difference between a 3.9 and a 3.8. You need to understand the process, what they value.