<p>I applied to Steinhardt ED2 with an 3.65 UW GPA. I don’t have a strong GPA to begin with so I’m doubtful about my chances of getting in. Right now, my primary concern is my first semester grades which aren’t looking so hot. I will be getting a 3.4 GPA with 3 A’s and 4 B’s unless some miracle happens.</p>
<p>However, I have the heaviest course load that I’ve ever had in high school so far with 5 AP’s: Lit, Stats, Environmental Science, Government, and Physics. (I took 3 last year and only 1 sophomore year.) Will the increase in course difficulty be an valid reason for the drop in GPA?</p>
<p>Also, I know my first semester grades only need to be sent in by some date in March while ED2 decisions come out February 15. Does that mean NYU will not be reviewing by first semester grades as a part of my admissions decision? I’m worried but continuing to put forth my best effort. I guess 5 AP’s wasn’t such a great idea…</p>
<p>**So, for organization, my questions are as follows:</p>
<p>1)How much weight will my first semester grades carry?
2)Will NYU will not be reviewing by first semester grades as a part of their initial decision if I’m applying ED2?
3)Is my drop very concerning (aka a red flag to NYU)?</p>
<p>lyndak I don’t think the drop is a red flag necessarily, but I’m currently also in a similar situation as yours… my first semester grades aren’t so hot
So I’m also just as curious as you in your question.</p>
<p>It also depends on your high school, and whether it sends your updated transcript automatically (my school is done with first sem grades and they automatically send the updated senior transcripts to school :(), or you have to manually request your school to send it to NYU (with this advantage, you can choose to send NYU your transcript after Feb 15 so they don’t see it when reviewing applications )</p>
<p>School districts all over the country have wildly different calendars and so some will not even have mid-year grade reports ready until mid-feb (this is the case in my area). I have always heard ad comms say that ED is best for students who don’t feel they need those senior grades to boost their GPA as the reviewers are unlikely to see it. Therefore, a slightly bumpy first semester shouldn’t make a difference. OTOH, if those grades were really strong, you might want to rush them or direct them to your regional rep. They will see your rigorous senior schedule on the common app and will recognize what that says about you in terms of your seriousness and rigor. By the way, those grades look quite strong for such a demanding schedule. They do take into account the demands of your curriculum. You look like you’ve worked very hard. They take a holistic view and will look at the totality of your application- your ECs, the alignment of your career interests and what NYU has to offer, and your essays will be very important also so stay positive!</p>
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