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Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
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UCLA
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Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Can an upward trend in grades make up for a poor freshman year?

Hi friends, I'm a junior and my grades during freshman year weren't great. Since then, I've worked hard to improve my GPA. Will colleges take my upward trend into account, or will my poor freshman year still hurt me? CollegeVine, your resources have been a godsend!

a year ago

Hello! I'm glad to hear that you've been working hard to improve your GPA. It's really important to show growth and determination throughout your high school journey. In most cases, colleges do take an upward trend in grades into account. They understand that students can have a rough start, but what matters more is how you've learned from your mistakes and made improvements over time.

It's true that your freshman year grades might still have some impact, but focusing on your progress can help offset that. Continue working hard, participating in extracurricular activities, and seeking opportunities to develop your skills and passions. These efforts will show colleges that you're a well-rounded, dedicated student who's capable of overcoming challenges.

In your college applications, you might also consider addressing your freshman year performance in the additional information section, explaining the circumstances and demonstrating how you've grown. Keep up the good work and stay positive! And I'm glad that CollegeVine has been helpful to you – they really do provide valuable resources and support.

a year ago

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