<p>I had straight A's in my freshman and sophomore years. </p>
<p>First semester my grades were: AAB and an S. I had 2 W's from CC classes. The 'S' was for independent study. My W's were for 1st qtr. of a bio seq. and for precalc. (I retook precalc and took a few chem classes later and did fine in them.) </p>
<p>This semester, I've gotten straight A's in my 6 CC classes (2 quarters) and I have 2 A's at regular school with a C in APUSH. (It was my B last semester). </p>
<p>Am I doomed? </p>
<p>[The reason my grades dropped, well partially, was because I was trying to do too much and it got to me. And then, I had to take medicine because my doctor dxed me with BPI. I also had to go to counseling and that messed up my APUSH schedule and quizzes and classwork... so my grades dropped significantly. =/ ]</p>
<p>My D started Junior year (Private) 15 yrs old, top 1% on PSAT, AP Cal AB, AP Physics C, AP US History, Varsity Cross County, 1st Violin local youth symphony, 2130 SAT I. She dropped from a Sophmore 3.7 to Junior 3.5. (3.5 Freshman). How much does age of applicant or rigor of courses factor into admissions? Is it "all over" for her dream college (Stanford)? She's a wonderful (now) 16 year old kid but we're kicking ourselves for encouraging her to take AP Physics which not only gave her a B- but pulled some other subjects down to B+'s.</p>
<p>No one is doomed. There are many excellent colleges, but Tsky, if there is only one your daughter thinks is acceptable, and it's a lottery school. there's a problem.</p>
<p>Kicking yourself for taking an AP, or insisting your child take one is just silly. They need to take the most rigorous classes they can. Will Stanford notice if a child does less well in APs? You bet. They can get all the perfect academics they want.</p>
<p>It's hard enough when the kids pose these questions. We as parents are the only ones who can introduce a sane approach.</p>
<p>Though she's worn the S sweatshirt for 3 years...yes she's knows there are many great colleges to choose from. I'm just wondering how many doors are automatically closed because of an (unweighted) 3.5, and whether her age (16 year old senior) and record of tough classes will allow her even a chance at some of the top schools.</p>
<p>Tsky, as a parent, you need to infuse a sense of normality to the process. It doesn't seem like you are doing it. But of course, maybe I am being too judgemental and maybe it isn't what it seems. </p>
<p>Anyway, if she's very good in a subject/subjects and it comes out in the application, then I don't see why Stanford will not see the potential in your child. She could apply SCEA to Stanford and see as well as have a good set of reaches, matches and safety.</p>
<p>But please stop with the sweatshirts!! I would be counselling my child from day 1 not to count on these schools (HYPSM, AWS) and to take a 'wait and see' attitude but also have very good backups that he/she would be happy going to.</p>
<p>Her GC advised 1) kids w/ easier courses and better grades will have better chances (?) and 2) she should apply RD so that she can show a terriific fall trimester. Based on this advice she's taking Honors instead of AP Chem. Is it better to wait to show improved grades or just to go w/ her uw 3.5 (4.0 + w) to her first choice SAED and hope for deferment at worse while her grades improve? How does she make the decision whether or not to apply early?</p>
<p>I'm not sure you're getting good advice from the counselor. Sounds like maybe the counselor is more familiar with state schools, where this can be the case. Stanford wants to see the most rigorous classes.</p>
<p>As for GPA, if your daughter, it would be important to know where she ranks in her class. My son, also applying to Stanford, has a 3.7, but he goes to a very tough private school and this puts him in top 6%. Good enough for Stanford? We'll see. SAT is also very important info, if she has a 2250 plus, a 3.5 may still be workable.</p>
<p>Bottom line, my son isn't counting on anything, even with his legacy boost. Many kids with high 1500s and great GPAs were rejected from his school this year. One got in with a 3.6 and 1490, a legacy, but not a wealthy one. Go figure!</p>
<p>Stanford is such a hard school anyways to get into, there is a student on here going to Harvard, accepted to Yale, Pomona, Dartmouth and on and on. He only had one rejection and that was SCEA at Stanford. His stats and accomplishments were outstanding!It is worth a try of course one never knows with these colleges but I would seriously push for other schools to fall in love with . Best of luck!</p>
<p>Make sure you keep in mind that you are presenting yourself as a "total package" not just a grade machine. All of the top colleges are looking for demonstrated "passion" in one or two areas rather than a laundry list of activities. If you have been deeply involved in an activity or business for a few years, that will certainly help your application.</p>