How important is upward trajectory?

[Anonymous]

Looking at selective LACs and midsized schools. Have always heard a rough freshman year can be overlooked - but what about if the first two years are strong (As & A minuses) but junior year is mostly A minuses and one B. Top rigor in all classes, but junior year was especially demanding both in course load and specific teachers. Will that be understood or is it bad that grades dipped?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Looking at selective LACs and midsized schools. Have always heard a rough freshman year can be overlooked - but what about if the first two years are strong (As & A minuses) but junior year is mostly A minuses and one B. Top rigor in all classes, but junior year was especially demanding both in course load and specific teachers. Will that be understood or is it bad that grades dipped?

It's not ideal but likely not a dealbreaker. The grades didn't fall off a cliff.

[Anonymous]

Have a story. That’s the answer to everything. Everything comes down to a story.

Your common app is a book. Every part of the application, including the grades, test scores, rigor, LOR, ECs, awards, personal essay, Supp essays, additional info are each one chapter of your book. Every part of the book needs to speak to each other. They are not looked at isolation, they should also not be thought of an isolation so when you present it all Make sure it connects.