To what extent will an upward grade trend offset an average GPA?

<p>I've been sort of confused by upward trends. Does that mean you were getting C's and B's and then you got straight A's for a year? How much does it offset a poor/average GPA? Lets say hypothetically you have a 3.0 but your 1st year was B's and C's and your last 2 were straight A's. Does that look better than someone who got straight B's while at CC? Thanks.</p>

<p>I would definitely think someone getting straight A’s after a first crappy year would look better than being a B average student from start to finish. </p>

<p>Obviously though…there are applicants who were good from the beginning and they will always look better.</p>

<p>It’s gonna depend on the specific school you’re trying to apply to as well</p>

<p>To the extent that you point it out, explain why you had poor grades, and also explain why your upward grade trend shows you are college-ready.</p>

<p>This would matter for UCs that look at the personal statement: Berkeley, Irvine, and UCLA (the campus says it looks at PS, but it doesn’t really sway admission decision like Berkeley or Irvine).</p>