- #61
misskitty
- 737
- 0
Wow, that was a bigger post than I thought! :shock:
Stressed Over School? 3.759 GPA, Top 20 Rank - Help Me Decide!
- Thread starter misskitty
- Start date
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The discussion revolves around concerns about college applications, particularly regarding GPA and academic performance. A senior expresses anxiety over their 3.759 GPA, which includes some lower grades due to health issues. They are applying to a range of schools, including prestigious institutions like MIT and Northeastern, and seek reassurance about their chances of acceptance. Participants emphasize that GPA is important but not the sole factor in admissions. They suggest that applicants should explain any extenuating circumstances in their applications and focus on presenting a well-rounded profile, including strong essays and letters of recommendation. The conversation also touches on the importance of managing stress and finding balance, with advice to engage in extracurricular activities and maintain a positive mindset. Overall, the consensus is that while grades matter, personal growth and passion for learning are equally significant in the college admission process.
- #62
OptimusPrime
- 54
- 0
I'm a failure. Got bad results today. 
Can't continue as a Math Major!
Can't continue as a Math Major!
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- #63
Moses
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take it easy man, descions pop-uped and conlcued in moments are not wise 
- #64
OptimusPrime
- 54
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How ironic, Moses himself is giving me advice! 
- #65
graphic7
Gold Member
- 450
- 2
Why are you so concerned about getting into a prominent undergrad school? Contrary to the popular opinion, it doesn't matter all that much. You'll graudate with a Bachelors' degree like we all will, and possibly apply for graduate school (I assume you are, since you're interested about MIT and such).
You'll be able to get into almost any undergrad school with those grades, which will give you that Bachelors' degree; therefore, giving you an almost definite admission into tons of graduate programs. Not all undergrad programs have the same classes or focus, but that's moot for the most part. The undergrad program I'm in is short of a PDE class, complex variables (actually, offered as a special topics course this semester), and a few more. I don't feel too worried about this, though. I'll have a chance to take these courses in grad school.
I had around a 3.25 GPA when I entered as a freshman. Has is it effected me in anyway? No. Do I plan on going to graduate school? Yes. Will my high school GPA effect my admission into the program at all? No.
Edit: This seems to be closely related with the issue of students and AP classes. I've seen too many times a student whose transcript is riddled with AP-this-and-that, 4.0 GPA, 36 ACT score, etc etc, who 1) has no "real" comprehension of the subject material 2) has no real "passion" about the subject, either. It's quite sad.
You'll be able to get into almost any undergrad school with those grades, which will give you that Bachelors' degree; therefore, giving you an almost definite admission into tons of graduate programs. Not all undergrad programs have the same classes or focus, but that's moot for the most part. The undergrad program I'm in is short of a PDE class, complex variables (actually, offered as a special topics course this semester), and a few more. I don't feel too worried about this, though. I'll have a chance to take these courses in grad school.
I had around a 3.25 GPA when I entered as a freshman. Has is it effected me in anyway? No. Do I plan on going to graduate school? Yes. Will my high school GPA effect my admission into the program at all? No.
Edit: This seems to be closely related with the issue of students and AP classes. I've seen too many times a student whose transcript is riddled with AP-this-and-that, 4.0 GPA, 36 ACT score, etc etc, who 1) has no "real" comprehension of the subject material 2) has no real "passion" about the subject, either. It's quite sad.
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- #66
misskitty
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Graphic7, this is unfortunately true. Especially at my school. It doesn't help anyone if the guidance department approaches these kids to tutor other kids in the same subject they have as an AP class. For example, a senior in AP physics who is tutors a junior in Cp physics. This happens FAR to much. It also doesn't help that the school board could careless about this issue.
OptimusPrime: its ok to get a bad grade! It happens to everyone at some point or another. You'll bounce back! Just don't stop trying!
OptimusPrime: its ok to get a bad grade! It happens to everyone at some point or another. You'll bounce back! Just don't stop trying!
- #67
Andromeda321
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Misskitty- a colloquium refers to basically a semi-regular event where people get together to exchange ideas in some field. Usually what happens is a speaker is invited to share his knowledge about a topic in the form of a PowerPoint presentation, and then there are a few minutes for questions. They're really cool and I recommend going to them in uni because you can learn a lot! There's usually free tea and cookies too... 
Regarding APs- my school had a rule about them that if you were going to take the AP class you were required to take the AP test. My friends at college think this is incredibly odd until I pointed out to them that AP usually stands for "Admittance Preference" more then anything: have two kids with the exact same application but one has more APs written in front of his classes and that student will be let in. Doesn't matter if the kid learns anything, most kids at the public school in my district got 1s on the rare occasions they took the AP, but it's considered impressive (those kids, by the way, got automatic As for enrolling in AP courses but were not required to take the tests). The only thing a kid learns from such a policy is that life can be BSed and cutting corners and essentially cheating has its rewards. I can't phathom why any university would want to admit such a student.
Regarding APs- my school had a rule about them that if you were going to take the AP class you were required to take the AP test. My friends at college think this is incredibly odd until I pointed out to them that AP usually stands for "Admittance Preference" more then anything: have two kids with the exact same application but one has more APs written in front of his classes and that student will be let in. Doesn't matter if the kid learns anything, most kids at the public school in my district got 1s on the rare occasions they took the AP, but it's considered impressive (those kids, by the way, got automatic As for enrolling in AP courses but were not required to take the tests). The only thing a kid learns from such a policy is that life can be BSed and cutting corners and essentially cheating has its rewards. I can't phathom why any university would want to admit such a student.
- #68
misskitty
- 737
- 0
Earning grades is more important than being given them because you enrolled in a course. I can agree with what your saying.
I can tell you there is no such policy in effect in my district. People who enroll in AP courses are informed and prepared for these classes because of how rigorus they are. Students must have the permission of their parents, advisors, and the teacher of the course. Otherwise they are not admitted into the class. Students are required to learn adn apply the knowledge they gain from participating in the class.
I do agree with what you're saying. I'll have to check out the colloquiums when I go to college. They sound awesome.
I can tell you there is no such policy in effect in my district. People who enroll in AP courses are informed and prepared for these classes because of how rigorus they are. Students must have the permission of their parents, advisors, and the teacher of the course. Otherwise they are not admitted into the class. Students are required to learn adn apply the knowledge they gain from participating in the class.
I do agree with what you're saying. I'll have to check out the colloquiums when I go to college. They sound awesome.
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