Is an A- Bad?

I recently got an A- on my report card and I'm slightly concerned. Will this grade negatively impact my GPA or my chances of getting into a competitive college?

While it's true that an A- may slightly affect your GPA depending on the grading scale your school uses, it's still an excellent grade. It shows that you understand the material well and that you've generally achieved high standards in that class.

In the broader view of college admissions, an A- won't dramatically negatively impact your application. Admissions committees look for a strong overall academic record. One A- in a sea of As is not something to stress about. What's more important is the overall rigor of your course load and how well you did in those courses. For example, getting an A- in an AP or honors class can sometimes be seen as more valuable than getting an A in a regular class, as it shows you're challenging yourself.

Furthermore, remember that colleges want to see students who not just have the grades but who are also engaged outside the classroom. Quality extracurricular involvement can favorably balance out minor hiccups in your academic record. In sum, it's always good to strive for the best grades possible, but don't let one A- cause you too much stress. Keep working hard and demonstrating your strengths in your courses and activities!