Hey,
I’m a sophomore and got 1 B in geometry in freshman year. I also got a B in English and Algebra 2 in the first semester this year. However I will probably get high grades in both math and English in this semester so my final grade will likely be an A, Other than these Bs i have straight As. Is this a dealbreaker for ivies, Columbia in particular?
No (unless all the lower grades are in classes for the major you’re intending), but getting into this level of detail on grades is the wrong focus.
To be admitted to one of the highly selective US colleges as an international (and even more so as an international who needs financial aid), your grades are only going to be one small part of a successful application. US colleges aren’t like colleges in other countries where there are very well defined metrics - such as score a certain # on a test or achieve certain number of A levels - and you are eligible. Instead, grades are just one of a half dozen things that the admissions team is looking at. Instead of the team looking at things like - this applicant got a B in geometry - they’ll be considering whether your XYZ talent is merely good (national level) or exceptional (international).
You need good grades, but that’s just the baseline and honestly not one of the most critical factors. Don’t waste time obsessing over small details that won’t matter and instead put your energy into developing whatever unique and exceptional talent you have because that is what will make the difference.
Better yet, figure out what you want from your life.
Also why you have the goals you have.
Why “Ivies”, for instance? Is there something special about that football conference? Why not Big Ten schools? ACC schools?