Hi everyone, I'm aiming for Stanford and really pushing my limits academically. Had a bit of a shaky start in my freshman year, though. Does anyone know how heavily Stanford weighs freshman year grades in their admissions process? I'm trying to see how much I need to compensate with my sophomore and junior year performance.
Hi there, it’s great that you’re aiming high and have set your sights on Stanford. Understandably, your freshman year grades might not be as strong as you would have liked, but don’t let that discourage you too much. While Stanford will look at your entire high school transcript, admissions officers are also interested in seeing an upward trend. This means that if you show significant improvement in your sophomore and junior years, it can help mitigate a weaker start.
As an example, a student I worked with had a similar situation and was admitted to a competitive program because they demonstrated remarkable improvement and excelled in their later high school years. Keep focusing on your current and future courses, and aim for strong performances in rigorous classes. It’s also important to remember that Stanford considers more than just GPA; extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations will also play a significant role in your admissions chances. Just stay committed and keep pushing yourself!
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