I am currently a sophomore in high school and am very worried. In freshman year, I got two B’s and one C. Last semester, I got all As except for Algebra 2, which I finished with an 82. I have all A’s so far this semester, except for Chemistry, in which I got a B for the first nine weeks (half of my final grade). I probably won’t get anywhere past a 90 in Chemistry.
My class ranking is 192/700(a bit more than 700). I am barely in the top 30% and have read that not even top 5% is good enough, so I think I’m definitely screwed (excuse my language).
Most of the A’s that I have are low A’s, which also worries me. I know that I have no chance at Ivy Leagues, but I still want to try for some prestigious schools (mainly liberal arts schools at the moment). Have I ruined my future with these grades?! I am so scared and don’t even know if trying anymore will make a difference. Please tell me the truth…
No, you have not ruined your future. You most likely won’t be a viable candidate for sub-20% acceptance colleges, but you still have a very good chance at getting into a respectable university (maybe a state flagship?). The top 5% standard only applies to the most selective colleges. More than 5% of people graduating high school attend decent universities. Junior year and 1st Semester Senior grades are the most important, so you absolutely can still make a difference in your chances. Just remember that the college you attend doesn’t determine your future. What you choose to do at college is far more important.
Which schools are you thinking about? Try looking at their class profiles to see what the students stars look like.
Top 30 percent won’t get you into any prestigious schools but it won’t keep you out of some solid system schools. as an example, it might keep you out of a UT but you are still in the ballpark for a UT Arlington or UT San Antonio. After your first job, very few employers care where you went to college. My boss went to a much less prestigious school than me. It is what you do with what you learn that counts.
Try working on your classes a little more. See if you can push to top 25 percent. Get ready for the SAT next year. You have a big year ahead of you. Don’t get discouraged and slide further down. Try staying off CC where people get a little skewed (okay a LOT!) toward elite schools.
You are 16. Ruined is a strong word. You have a lot of life ahead of you. Grades are a small part of it and believe it or not college is a small part of it.
“but I still want to try for some prestigious schools”
You certainly should try, but (while there is no authoritative definition of “prestigious schools”) you should also be aware that you’re unlikely to be accepted by what most individuals would consider one. However, that isn’t a “nightmare scenario.” You can unquestionably be admitted to many fine, highly reputable LACs and universities, which will serve your future VERY well.