Poor Grades in High School: When to Explain and When You Shouldn’t
Quick answer: Explain poor grades in high school only when they resulted from circumstances outside your control, such as illness, a family emergency, or a move. Use a brief, factual note in the Additional Information section or an optional prompt. Skip explanations for grades that reflect a hard class or low effort, and let an […]
High School GPA: Can I Get Into Top Schools with B’s?
Quick answer: Yes, you can get into top schools with B’s, especially a few B’s in challenging courses, if your overall record shows rigor, an upward trend, and skill in your intended field. Top colleges read grades in context, so a B in an AP or honors class matters less than a pattern of low […]
IB vs AP: Which Should You Choose?
Quick answer: In the IB vs AP decision, IB is a two-year diploma program with six subject groups plus Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and CAS, while AP lets you take individual college-level courses and exams. Selective colleges respect both. Choose IB for an integrated, writing-heavy program, or AP for flexibility to focus on […]