So I got a C in Honors Chemistry my sophomore year (not even an AP class). I have gotten a few B’s (maybe 3 in like English, Spanish, and AP US History), but my math and comp sci grades have always been high A’s. I take a tough schedule (AP classes since freshman year, 10 by the end of Junior Year) and I have a decent upward trend since I am currently a Junior and have all A’s in all my classes including Calc BC, Physics C, and Comp Sci A. Will the C in chemistry along with the few B’s hurt my chances of getting into top CS programs such as:
UCLA
UMich - Top 3
Penn - Top 3
Tufts
Cornell
UVA
Duke - Top 3 (as of now)
(Note: I have some other activities/assets that may compensate, please refer to my only other post for more information)
GPA: 3.8 UW (approx) & top 5-7% of 400 student class
Trying to go to an out of state public university and get into a competitive major is the hardest scenario to do chances for.
Don’t fill your list with just “top” schools, have admissions and financial match and safety schools. Financial match is important – you can’t possibly be in state for so many state schools, and out of state students generally get crummy aid in addition to the out of state tuition upcharge. Make sure your family is prepared to pay the cost before you apply.
Agreed, any thoughts on the private schools listed? I am from Pennsylvania btw if you have any suggestions
UCLA gives little to no financial aid for out of state students so expect to pay $60K+/year to attend. A “C” will impact your chances as an OOS applicant especially for CS.
UCLA only uses 10-11th grades in their GPA calculation and does not consider Senior grades in their admission decisions.
My thoughts are that your list is too top-heavy. There isn’t a sure bet in there yet.
I have many in-state and safety schools such as Penn State, Temple, Drexel, etc. That is only my list of reach schools that I want more insight on as to whether I am competitive for them or not.
Seek to create a well balanced list. I’d suggest that you research some of the very fine colleges that fall between the reach schools (in your first post) and safety schools (post #5) on your list (ex. URochester to name but one).
Yes it will have some effect. I don’t think that you should worry excessively about it now. What’s done is done.
A C and 3 B’s is tough for the most competitive. Primarily, because so many will apply without this. And if you want a stem major, well, the chem class is core stem. Will you take AP chem senior year?
Best bet is to really try to know what they look for, so your app can offer that perspective. It’s not about hs competitions as much as how you come across, as an individual.
I was considering taking AP Chem to prove that I not an awful Chem student (H Chem is notorious for difficulty at my school, taught like a college course), but I don’t know if colleges will really care? Thankfully chemistry is the least important science for a CS major and some programs do not even require much or any chem for the degree.