<p>I'm Currently a high school junior, about half way through second semester. I know that contrary to popular belief, GPA and class rank can have a large affect when applying to top schools. My SATs are good, I have a 2210 in the bank and I will improve on that. Good math(760) scores and a good critical reading score(740). My GPA is weak though. It will end up being about a 96-97 on a weighted point scale 93 unweighted. I turned in a horrible sophomore year, about an 87 GPA. My sophomore GPA was horrible due to a slew of non- school related problems that effected my ability to do school work, thus drastically effecting my GPA. Is there any possible way that I can make this known to an admissions committee? Freshman year 96. Junior year works out to about 99. My class rank is in the top 10%, but my counselor figures it will be somewhere around 6-8%. My school sends about 25 or so kids to tier 1 - tier 1+ schools. My resume is very solid besides this. Do I have a chance at getting into a top flight school such as carnegie mellon, cal tech, or duke? Should i look elsewhere?</p>
<p>There is a spot on the application where you can write extra information-this is where you would explain the drop sophomore year. And, you are in the top 10%, you have strong scores, and a solid resume. Definitely apply to those schools, but everyone needs some safety and match schools as well. A 93 percent unweighted is an a- average, and if you maintain your high grades as a senior you will have an a average.
Great job with your GPA this year, btw!</p>
<p>93 UW is an A at most schools, not an A-.</p>
<p>Thanks for the Feedback! I was unsure as to whether or not there was an explanation section on the application, but hopefully admissions officers take account for that. Is a 93 GPA considered to be a 4.0?</p>
<p>Depends on the school but I would say yes.</p>
<p>You should probably learn the difference between effected and affected but otherwise you should be fine.</p>
<p>"You should probably learn the difference between effected and affected but otherwise you should be fine. "</p>
<p>My first thought as well.</p>
<p>^^haha, agreed! : D</p>
<p>You calculate your GPA based on your grade in each individual class, not your average.</p>