<p>Hello.
I was wondering what things do you need for a good college. How do you calculate your GPA? And what if your grades are around a B- in your junior year? Is there still time to turn them into A's during senior year?
Thanks!</p>
<p>First we’d have to define what you mean by good college. In general, get good grades in a rigorous schedule and do well on standardized tests (SAT or ACT). A GPA is generally computed using this scale:
A = 4
B = 3
C = 2
D = 1
Multiply those number times the number of credit each class is worth and divide by total number of credits. If your CUM GPA is a B- then you can’t turn it into an A. However, you can show an improvement by moving your grades from a B- to an A. An improvement is a good way to show a school you can apply yourself and perform well.</p>
<p>Your junior year grades are extremely important in applications to selective colleges. If you can bring the “B-” for the second semester up by one or two notches, it can make a huge difference in getting attention from the admission committees.</p>
<p>First semester senior year is as important, and if you can show improvement from your junior year, that’ll will help. Second semester of senior year is “too” late to show improvement, as acceptance decisions have already been made.</p>
<p>Colleges compare students with like students – from the same schools when they can, and with regard to the rigor of the courses. So taking lighter courses in your senior year to get better grades is not necessarily a good strategy for selective colleges. It may be a strategy for your state flagship, and possibly other colleges that apply a formula for admission.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Yeah…actually, you don’t need a +3.9 GPA unweighted and a +1500 (CR+M) SAT score in order to get into a good college. Just because a school isn’t an Ivy doesn’t by any means mean that it’s not a good college.</p>
<p>You don’t need a 3.9 and 1500 composite to get into the Ivies, if past admissions results threads are any indicator. Many of those accepted had below a 1500, and many were rejected with above a 1500. Also, it seems that as long as your GPA is 3.8ish that you’ll definitely stand a chance. People on this site underestimate the impact that essays and extracurriculars have on your application and place far too much weight on scores alone.</p>
<p>Amazing grades + amazing ECs + amazing hooks = Top College Acceptance.</p>
<p>GPA is the most important factor in college admission.</p>
<p>Being a good student.
just be yourself and you’ll be fine</p>
<p>In my opinion: ( and in order) GPA, SAT, Solid ECs, good Essays, top LORS, good interview. These are pretty much it. Of course if you are a good student then GPA, SAT, LORs shouldn’t be a problem but ECs and the essays must be very strong so you can differentiate yourself from others</p>
<p>Alright. Thanks for the replies guys. I’m wondering what type of ECs would look good on your transcript. Also, do colleges look at regents scores a lot?
Since I want to go to some type of art school, is it still important to get fair grades in other subjects besides art? Do colleges look at your overall average or specifically each grade from each class?</p>
<p>If you want art, you need to be thinking about your portfolio – this is even more important than your grades in art classes. You should cozy up w/your art instructor tomorrow and start down the road.</p>
<p>Don’t do a single EC because you feel it makes you look good. Try things in order to find something that’s really worthwhile to you. I can’t think of a single art college in America who gives one lick about applicants’ ECs. Practically the only thing they’ll care about is your portfolio.</p>
<p>when u say u need a 3.9 GPA, is that weighed or unweighed</p>
<p>UW^ preferably. But if you have a 3.9 W GPA and your valedictorian, then it doesn’t matter because your school deflates grades</p>
<p>join some clubs</p>