how much do 9th grade grades matter?

[Anonymous]

I mean, it matters. Maybe not a lot but it isn’t inconsequential.

More concerning is if it’s a harbinger of things to come

[Anonymous]

NP and my kid has had a rough year transitioning to HS in general and then a few things happened to set him back. He may end up with one A but likely won’t have any. It’s more likely his electives are DS and some core classes are Cs. He’s in 9th now. I keep calm knowing that community college is always an option.

As my husband keeps telling me, look at us and compare where we were at in 9th vs. 12th. We need to take it day by day and try to help him do his best. We can’t spend all of high school worrying about college. It’s fine if he goes to community college or works for a bit first.

DCUM has helped me by reading so many stories of kids who mature and change greatly over those years and others who are successful through different paths.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It depends on what you mean by struggling and what the target schools are. It also depends on what school he currently attends, what the course is, SAT/ACT etc. I know parents who will define struggling as a B. Don’t sweat a B. I think a C is less than ideal but if it’s an outlier over 4 years, it will probably be OK provided you aren’t aiming for extremely competitive schools.

If you live in Maryland you will not get into UMD with a final grade of a C.

Is this true?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My child is struggling with one class as a 9th grader while the others are great. How much do 9th grade grades come into play with college admissions?

Standford doesn't even look at 9th grade grades.

OK, but what about Stanford?

[Anonymous]

It totally depends on the school. Some do not look at them at all, others do. Same with senior year grades. And I know some will accept you but request first/second quarter senior year grades for example.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP and my kid has had a rough year transitioning to HS in general and then a few things happened to set him back. He may end up with one A but likely won’t have any. It’s more likely his electives are DS and some core classes are Cs. He’s in 9th now. I keep calm knowing that community college is always an option.

As my husband keeps telling me, look at us and compare where we were at in 9th vs. 12th. We need to take it day by day and try to help him do his best. We can’t spend all of high school worrying about college. It’s fine if he goes to community college or works for a bit first.

DCUM has helped me by reading so many stories of kids who mature and change greatly over those years and others who are successful through different paths.

You are wise. Your stress does not help your child find his way.

He needs your support and encouragement, which is what you are projecting. Great job!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Michigan doesn’t calculate 9th grade grades into GPA.

Are you sure? How do you know this? Does it say that somewhere?

[Anonymous]

I failed two classes as a ninth grader (math and English), turned myself around, and attended top 20 SLAC. A turnaround story can be an intriguing hook for some colleges.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I failed two classes as a ninth grader (math and English), turned myself around, and attended top 20 SLAC. A turnaround story can be an intriguing hook for some colleges.

how long ago was it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:the same as 10th and 11th. 12th grades do not matter for some schools.

Curious.... Where don't 12th grades not matter for RD?

many schools only use your gpa from 9th - 11th. so whatever you do in 12th doesn't matter. they will want a final transcript, but when you apply your gpa is calculated for grades 9 - 11.

this may not be true for elite schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:the same as 10th and 11th. 12th grades do not matter for some schools.

Curious.... Where don't 12th grades not matter for RD?

many schools only use your gpa from 9th - 11th. so whatever you do in 12th doesn't matter. they will want a final transcript, but when you apply your gpa is calculated for grades 9 - 11.

this may not be true for elite schools.

Taken directly off the Northeastern Website for EA:

Choose Early Action if Northeastern is a top choice—and you feel that you can put your best foot forward at this earlier date, since the Admissions Committee will not see your senior year grades or late fall standardized testing.

Early Action is non-binding.