Will a 3.95 GPA hurt me for for first-gen, test-optional Asian American?

A 3.95 GPA is a good enough GPA for admission to any school in the country, so don’t worry about a few Bs.

That said, of course, no GPA is a guarantee of admission anywhere. A friend of my daughter’s with a perfect GPA, perfect SAT score, and impressive ECs was rejected by Stanford.

But Stanford (or a similar school) might prefer YOU as an applicant because you are first-gen or your essays were compelling or they thought your work experience demonstrated more leadership or passion. Or any number of other reasons, including the mood of the person who first read your file.

So try to relax. So much of this is not in your control. But your grades will not be the deciding factor. And it will work out — you are a great candidate and will get a fine education somewhere and go on to do wonderful things.