Hey guys! Not trying to look like a typical grade-grubber but just wanted an honest opinion!
So I am currently at the end of my junior year and I have had all As/A+s freshmen and sophomore year, HOWEVER this year I took all AP classes and overworked myself and got 2 Bs (in AP Chemistry and AP Calculus AB). I have a 35 ACT, 223 PSAT, great ECs (more detail in a previous thread I started), plan on working a lot on my essays, etc. (btw I’m Asian if that affects anything)
So what I want to know is if these two Bs kill chances of admission into top schools (top choice being WashU) considering that I had an extremely rigorous curriculum?
No. Let me remind you people with 3.6’s get into harvard to give you perspective. It may feel li ke it’s the end of the world but trust me it’s not. You’re FINE
Thank you!
Also, a follow-up question: If I do really well on the AP exam for those particular classes to show mastery of the subject material would that make a difference to admissions people?
I am not an AO but the answer would probably be no. Obviously it’s better to score high if you’re going to self study but it wouldn’t provide an advantage over not self studying at all. The end result is miniscule at best with a 5. Spend your time on your grades and keep A’s and developing your ec’s. Your ACT is amazing(prety jelly lol) and again two b’s won’t do you much harm.
@outlooker Did I say regularly?No I didn’t but I was the OP perspective on their gpa and some students at one of the top universities in the world. The facts are that yes, some people get into Harvard (thanks ^) with a 3.6 avg gpa and it’s probably even more plausible at WashU their top choice. Obviously 2 b’s ins’t bringing them down to a 3.6 but it shows them it isn’t the end of the world…
It’s a setback but you seem to have the ECs and standardized tests on your side. I would be worried if you had your sights set on a HYPSM but WashU (and its peers like JHU, Cornell, Rice, Northwestern) could happen especially if you apply ED since these schools are big on demonstrated interest.
Shouldn’t really hurt you. If you apply ED somewhere the downward trend might look somewhat bad but you have such good overall grades and class rigor that it is overlookable for most schools. If you apply RD somewhere, try to get all As (or just 1 B) just to show improvement. You have really good stats I wouldn’t worry. Lots of ppl get in WashU with worse stats so most likely you should be fine (but if you want to be sure and WashU is still your top choice beginning of next school year, you should strongly consider applying ED). Good luck!
Far from the end of the world. Even if you do not get into any of your dream colleges, you will get into a college, use your intelligence, roll around a little more through the system, and probably end up with your desired career.
Plenty of rejection teaches you to learn how to play with the cards you are given…
