I failed freshman year, by that I mean it was a bare 4.0 (weighted). However I realized this and this year I have started to do much better (4.64). If I continue this way, can I actually get into a selective college? My school is extremely competitive, almost everyone have 4.2+.
Also I would like some advice for my classes for Junior year:
This is what I have so far:
-Calc AB or BC (Haven’t decided, but have an A in math analysis)
-AP Lang
-APUSH or Acad
-AP Physics C
-AP Economics/AP Psychology ( Haven’t decided)
-Organic Chemistry I & II
-Computer Mathmatics
As you can see, I haven’t decided on a lot of courses. Science & math to some extent is definitely my forte, but I have already taken AP chemistry and AP Biology and got A+'s in both of them, so I am debating on whether to take AP physics and Organic Chemistry.
What is your school’s grading scale? At most schools a 4.0 is an A. If your school’s scale is A=4.0 and you consider that failing you need to visit the school counseling office!
Forget weighted GPA What is unweighted
That is what the colleges will look at
They look that you took AP/honors classes but the unweighted GPA is what matters
Weighted is only for class rank
I agree. You need counselling. You are not a failure and you need to learn how to redefine yourself and not obsess about college.
You have the grades and degree of class rigor to apply to elite schools. But not everyone who qualifies can be accepted. It often becomes a matter of luck. If you continue with your “failure” mentality and do not get accepted or don’t apply and define yourself as unworthy you can end up in a bad place emotionally. Talk with a counsellor.
You’ll be fine. Don’t worry so much about GPA and getting into a “selective” college (whatever you define that is). You’re still only a high school student, everything will work itself out.
A lot goes into admission to a selective college. I’d shoot for an unweighted GPA of at least 3.7. Then, you need great standardized test scores, a demanding course load, interesting/meaninful/involved ECs, and THEN you need a whole lot of luck.
If you want to get a better feel for what it takes, check out the accepted student threads for the colleges you are most interested in while remembering this is an internet forum of strangers. Your best counsel is your school, family, and your own communication/research with your favorite colleges.