Significant GPA increase for junior year...ivies?

Applying to College
1

<p>I just finished my junior year at a fairly prestigious, highly ranked, competitive high school, and would like to apply to Columbia and Northwestern University in the fall, two very high caliber schools. My GPA for both freshman and sophomore years was a 3.72, which is on the low side for schools of this tier. However, I finished this year with a 3.84, with a very rigorous course load of 6 AP's (all of which I took the exam for) and am looking at a 2250 superscored SAT. I also have a very impressive musical resume, with national distinction in multiple different categories.</p>

<p>So, do you think this academic improvement, even though my cumulative high school GPA won't be as high, will give me good chances at these schools? I know colleges like to see academic improvement, no less for the "most important year of high school" with an impressive course load and strong extracurricular achievements.</p>

2

<p>You have good grades. Unfortunately, until you have something to distinguish yourself amongst the thousands of applicants that apply to these schools, it won’t matter whether you have a 3.7 or a 4.0. If your involvement in music is truly distinctive, then you do not need to worry about your grades. Grades are only part of the story. The vast majority of applicants to these schools have “good” grades (3.7 or above, let’s say). Admission officers seek to find the most unique applicants who can offer much more than just “good grades”.</p>

<p>Looking at? Let us know when you get that superscore. </p>