huge turn around? is it enough?

Applying to College
1

<p>I’m currently a senior taking 4 AP courses and one dual enrollment chemistry course at the undergraduate honors program at my local University of [name of state]. I’ve even begun doing original scientific research. I’m happy to say I’ve surprised myself with my performance. I only received one B 2nd quarter (AP calculus BC) and my class rank jumped over 30 places just after 1st quarter. However, this is after an abysmal junior year, in which I took 3 APs, and <em>gulp</em> got D’s in AP calculus AB and D’s in an honors class as well as a C in AP physics. I’ve previously been a good student ranking in the top 5 percent of my class through freshman and year and most of my sophomore year. I don’t know what happened, my junior year, however, I managed to get at least a 3 on my junior year AP tests. I turned it around by 1), discovering I had a true passion for science and to a large extent math, by 2) revamping my work habits, and 3) taking a biochemistry course at Harvard in which I received a B, which pretty much forced me into better study habits. I pretty much spent my whole summer reading books (both technical and non-technical) on scientific topics, practicing my math skills, and watching lectures on MIT’s opencourseware (I enjoyed it a lot!!). So now I’ve already applied to all my colleges, with 4 being high reaches. University of Chicago is my top choice right now. I’ve had teachers, friends, and parents read my essays, I think they were the best I could offer and my alumni interviews went very well (especially for U Chicago), however, I feel like my junior year grades are holding me back. Any advice? </p>

<p>yeah, I have pretty good ECs and great SAT scores yadda yadda, but I’m truly worried about my grades.</p>

2

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<p>Advice about what? </p>

<p>You’ve applied, your grades are a done deal, and you’ll find out your results in a couple of months.</p>

3

<p>Sadly, I just need to calm down. I felt the urge to just let it out on a forum. I really can’t find anyone else in my boat.</p>

4

<p>Sounds like you’re back on track, that’s the most important thing. Remember, whatever happens this spring, you’re in it for the long haul. Once you get into college, no matter which one it is on your list, you have a new start and nothing to hold you back from accomplishing your goals.</p>

5

<p><em>takes huge breath</em> What’s done is done.</p>

6

<p>Don’t forget, you can go to a less selective college for a year or two and then transfer. That’s often a good route if your grades need a little more time to gel. In the future, no one will care where you started college - just where you finished.</p>