I just moved from Hong Kong to New Jersey and it has been quite hard. My GPA as a Sophomore this year has dropped a bit due to the first semester being quite rough with the move and all. Do you think colleges would understand why my GPA has fallen slightly between Freshman and Sophomore year? It has fallen from around a 3.91 UW to around a 3.8 UW.
Yes, many colleges specifically state that they take into consideration hardships like moving and changing schools when they do their evaluations for admission. They would probably look for an upward trend in your junior year. Your application essays can describe how you were able to successfully deal with adjusting to a new country.
Yes. Colleges will see the two transcripts, and your guidance counselor can explain further if you want him to. A 3.8 is good enough for any college, even top schools, provided it was earned in rigorous classes. If you don’t get in, it won’t be because of your 3.8 GPA.
Thanks for the responses!
I am taking the hardest course load possible.
Don’t sweat it. You have also shown that you can move from one institution to another-- which will help you transition to college.
Keep up the good work. It’ll help if you can also show what you have done to fit into your new community- another important life skill!
In transferring, it’s all about getting adjusted to the environment there. I would try my best on the GPA.