Is GPA improvement enough for selective schools? Please advise

Applying to College
1

So freshman and sophomore year, I really struggled in my honors math and science classes. Due to a combination of poor time management and issues at home, my grades were very low by my standards. I managed to pull through with the honors program. However my freshman year GPA was only a 92, and sophomore year was 93 (both weighted). Junior year, I got my act together. I stayed in the honors track (except science) , took 2 AP courses and 2 dual credit honors courses, and ended the year with a 99.71 average (weighted). This year, I’m in 5 AP classes, including science, and my first quarter average was 100.25 (weighted).

I guess what I’m trying to figure out is whether my positive improvement will be enough for my top schools: Williams, Bowdoin, Haverford, and Colgate. Because of the first few years of high school, my overall GPA is only 95.12 (weighted).

Brief stats:
-1470 SAT (790 reading, 680 math)
-33 ACT (36 both english, 33 science, 30 math)
Previous AP Exams: Euro (5), Lit (5), AUSH (5)

I have a lot of extracurriculars as well, the most impressive being acceptance into Boston University Tanglewood Institute’s Summer vocal program (classical voice, internationally selective), and qualifying for XC States this year (placed 23rd, also won 2 major invitationals). I can provide a much longer list of extracurriculars if anyone thinks that would help them evaluate.

I’m already applied to Williams, and anxiously awaiting ED results…please let me know what you think!!!

2

What were the UW GPAs?

3

My overall High School GPA is a 92 (3.7) unweighted. I don’t have the yearly averages, my school never calculates them. I’m sorry!

4

I think the idea of improvement over the years can be very appealing.Try mentioning what inspired you to change in the application essays. A great letter of recommendation should help you tremendously. Make sure you’re applying to safety schools as well though. I’m not saying it’s a lost cause, but am saying that there a plenty of solid applicants applying to those aforementioned institutions.

5

The direction is right. I would not worry. If your GC (and you) can highlight what made you apply yourself in recs/essays, it can help as well. Those schools will look at your transcript and will see the improvement.

6

You’re definitely right, and I have three safeties lined up already. . I did ask my teachers and guidance counselor to speak to the change in my effort in my recs. I hope you’re right that they’ll focus on improvement! I understand it’s a risk though.

7

Any last minute advice?