Hello! I have just finished up my 9th grade year, and I ended up with a 3.3-3.4 UW. At the time I was dealing with so much stress which I can explain. Anyways, I play the piano, am the captain of my chess team, part of Student action senate, JV golf, Varsity tennis, hope to be NHS and Musical honor society (which I will probably be in). I just want to know if after 10th grade I raise my GPA to a high 3.7 to low 3.8 what kind of chance do I have? Also I took a practice SAT and did well, I am preparing for it by tutoring. I know I could have done much better, I just don’t know how to explain it with all the stress and anxiety I had. If you guys could leave your thoughts below that would be great, Thanks!!!
Hiya!
I’m quite familiar with the Lehigh campus and area, so maybe I could be of some assistance. Like you, I am a high school student looking for some help with these matters.
My best advice (and I know it is INCREDIBLY cliché) is to not load up on EC’s but rather do things of substance. Lehigh would want you to show aptitude and passion for a few key things. Music is an awesome one. The Lehigh 97 is an awesome band, and is always looking to look for cool people to join them. I believe they also have other ensembles if marching band ain’t your thing.
As for freshman year, I would just try to improve over the next few years. Colleges like to see grades in one of two trends:
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Strong throughout: Consistently an “A” student in the most challenging courses your school offers (Honors, AP, IB if applicable)
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Steady improvement: i.e me. I’m still working on the improvement, but giving your all to improve shows perseverance and straight up gusto. Can really make you stand out.
Chess is also a great EC. I am on my varsity chess team, and was told its one of the greatest things to be on in high school. Same with golf/tennis.
To summarize: Improve, improve, improve! Stay with a few core EC’s, and love what you’re doing! There’s no way you can go wrong with doing those things.
Thank you! @codemachine
I was accepted to lehigh with a 3.2 hs gpa so I’d say just apply! EC’s are important if you are dedicated to them and have leadership positions. I think Lehigh really takes into account your relationship with your admissions counselor and the amount of interest you show in the school. Good luck @indianguy1
We attended a talk at Lehigh during our son’s junior summer. I remember them saying they are looking to see a steady improvement of grades. I think my son had a 3.6 overall GPA from high school and he was awarded a Dean’s Scholarship. Because Lehigh is a small school they do take the time to really look at each application. My son was an engineering student. He took 5 years of Spanish - most of that time getting Bs. Sure it lowered his GPA but he wanted to invest the time to really learn the language. I think Lehigh admires kids who take risks and take classes that are now easy As for them. Of course, he did really well with the math and science courses. You might want to take both the SAT and ACT. I have heard the ACT favors students stronger in Math and Science. My son did take a course to study for the ACT. He was able to raise his over score by 5 points. He had a 34 in both Math and Science.
I really agree with the previous poster that you should focus on a few activities and do well with them in addition to your grades. I also agree with the previous posters advice on what activities to focus on. However, my son NEVER participated in any high school activities. He volunteered at a local non profit. Half the population are introverts. You do not have to be a big joiner of groups to viewed as a talented student by Lehigh, or any other school.
Do you live close enough to visit the campus? If you started visiting every year NOW that would be a huge demonstration of interest - which is very important for Lehigh. I would try to visit this summer and attend those sessions for prospective students. They are pretty clear about what they are looking for in students. They actually give great advice.
You sound like a remarkable student and person. I would think that Lehigh would love to have you as a student! With your long range planning I am positive you will be very successful in whatever you choose to do with your life! Best of luck and please stay on CC. I am looking forward to continuing to hear how you are doing!!!
Kikkydee
Thanks for your advice. I have an uncle that lives close to the campus, I have been there once and liked it, so that’s why I would like to go here. @kikkydee