@CABoyMom Colleges do value GPA but if that GPA isn't based on rigorous academics it's pushed aside. A lot of the AP/Honors (and IB) better prepare students for the ACT and SAT. Many students who don't have the opportunity to take some of these courses encounter issues with the testing. Balance is key.
@chemist76 I say this not knowing your stats but I know there were many schools you could have gotten into. Once you complete your first semester at your college (and do well) you may be able to get into a school of your choice.
It's already been said by some posts but start studying for the ACT or SAT early!!! At least sophomore year and sooner if you can stand it. Take advantage of having the luxury of time. Read, and keep reading. Anything you can get your hands on. It all helps.
I would have been more relaxed about my D's decision to NOT apply ED (and buck the "trend") because she couldn't make up her mind. She landed in exactly the right place that wasn't really on her radar screen in the fall with a fantastic financial package. And she's happy and doing well.
I would improve my extracirriculars. All of my objective stats are very good, and I don't think my extracurriculars are bad at all, but not on the same level as a lot of top peers'.
I wouldn't have applied applied to MIT EA; rather, I would've applied to Yale SCEA. Also, I would've started this whole process with a better game plan (participating in USAMO instead of USNCO, etc)
I would have bribed my son to make honor roll and study harder earlier than senior year. It wouldn't have changed the college he went to, but it might have increased his merit aid.
I wish I made better friends...I feel into a really bad group, and they made me feel academically "safe", as in "Oh, you got a B? That amazing, you're so smart, I wish I got a B, I got a D+ lolololol"...They weren't "bad" people, but remember there were instances where they would be happy if I failed a test because it was "proof that she's normal", as they would say. I never wanted to just be normal...and I didn't realize the damage I had done until I met a new group of people...people who pushed me to be better, to aim for that A, and to not be happy and settle with a B.
So maybe that would fit into GPA...but honestly, it's more than the number. I wish I could have spent four years with these friends...not the old group.
Replies to: If I could change one thing....
I wish I made better friends...I feel into a really bad group, and they made me feel academically "safe", as in "Oh, you got a B? That amazing, you're so smart, I wish I got a B, I got a D+ lolololol"...They weren't "bad" people, but remember there were instances where they would be happy if I failed a test because it was "proof that she's normal", as they would say. I never wanted to just be normal...and I didn't realize the damage I had done until I met a new group of people...people who pushed me to be better, to aim for that A, and to not be happy and settle with a B.
So maybe that would fit into GPA...but honestly, it's more than the number. I wish I could have spent four years with these friends...not the old group.