I am very concerned about my first marking period grades. While I have very strong grades in all my classes, I will end with grades in the 80s for both physics and spanish. I know this looks bad but the only reason it has reached this point is because I take multivariable calc and linear algebra at a nearby college and also take another course in the city on saturdays. What could I possible do at this point because I am really scared I won’t stand a chance in college admissions at this point. For reference I applied to UPenn, MIT, GA Tech, UMich, Northeastern, RPI( Combined Med), and UChicago early.
Do you have safety schools that you are happy to attend? Looking at your previous posts, your lists have always been top heavy. The purpose of a safety is so that you don’t have the stress that you are feeling now.
You can’t do anything at this point. Colleges will see you are taking a rigorous schedule.
And I agree with the above, your list is very aggressive. Most of the schools/programs you have applied to are reaches for any unhooked applicant. Seek out some additional match and safety schools that appear affordable and that you would be happy to attend.
Not sure what state you are from, but you may want to apply to your your state flagship. Also, please don’t read my comments as implying that you are at risk for the other schools. I don’t know that answer. I am just suggesting to get some of the stress out before it snowballs on you.
Thank you all for the comments. I have lowered my list decently and do have some safeties. My main safety is stony brook university. But do you think colleges will be able to understand that I have just spread myself too thin? I just don’t want to be rejected because it seems like I’m slacking off when on the contrary I’m working harder than ever before. Also: I am not sure if it’s a hook or not but I think it is for some top schools. My research is being submitted to the Journal of Climate which is a very top tier earth science journal. Would this count to an extent? I know it helps a lot for MIT but that’s all.
Someone else asked a similar question a few days ago. You can say you submitted an article, but that is all. You also have to understand that submitting is very different than being accepted for publication. It is about the equivalent of saying I applied to Harvard vs I was accepted to Harvard.
Not really. I mean for MIT for example they ask if you’ve submitted, been accepted, or been published and if yes then specify which journal. They never ask specificifically if you have been accepted. Also: journals have a much higher acceptance rate because these are professionals who want to submit to the right journal and not waste 2 years waiting for a rejection. The problem with journal of climate is that the review time is very long.