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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Not sure what you mean by "mediocre" grades, but one of my kids had a transcript that can be most charitably described as demonstrating an upward trajectory.:)  After lousy freshman year (mostly Bs, a couple of Cs), he had all As and Bs -- but slightly more Bs than As.  His SAT scores were a little higher than your son's (just over 2300).  He did surprisingly well in college admissions (admitted to 1st choice Ivy, not HYP).  He had several factors going for him, in order of importance:
he took the most challenging classes in those subjects where classes are offered at different levels, 
he had really strong teacher  recommendations, 
he wrote great essays -- self-aware and funny in a dry and self-deprecating way,  
3-season varsity athlete and team captain (though not in a marquee sport),
he did well in interviews.

My advice: Don't get nervous -- your kid needs you to be steady now; he's already facing plenty of pressure from his peers and himself.  He should do his very best on these 2nd semester exams and on any standardized tests he'll be taking.  No matter what the counselors say, encourage him to work a little on essays over the summer -- brainstorm topics and maybe write the first paragraph for a couple of those topics to see if they've got legs.  Take a shot at some dream schools, but love your safeties -- there are plenty of great schools out there.  Be chill and breathe.         [/quote]

Wow.  What a nice post.  And great advice too![/quote]

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