What should I do if I performed poorly during my junior year?

If you underperformed during your junior year, meaning you received more than one grade less than A-, or a single grade less than or equal to B+ in a subject integral to your intended college field of study, here are steps to mitigate the impact during the college admissions season.

Reduce Extracurriculars and Take Community College Classes

First, reduce your extracurricular commitments proportionate to how much your performance deviated from straight As. This creates time to take community college classes that are ideally a level higher than those you underperformed in, or the same classes if you received less than a B-. For example, if you earned a B in AP Calc BC during junior year, take Calc III at a community college and aim for an A. An A in a more advanced class can significantly reduce the harm from the lower grade as you apply to colleges.

Beyond retaking or advancing in courses where you underperformed, consider taking additional community college classes. A full course load, even beyond what your high school counts toward graduation, can increase the rigor points admission officers assign to your academic record.

Remember that colleges recalculate your GPA. Even if your high school doesn't count community college classes as credit, colleges will consider them.

Pack Your Senior Year Schedule

After summer break, pack your senior year with as many AP and dual enrollment classes as possible that align with your intended college field of study. Taking relevant community college classes alongside your senior year coursework is also advisable.

The Bottom Line: Academics Are Paramount

The main message of these recommendations is that GPA and course rigor remain paramount in college admissions. Despite the increasingly impressive extracurricular activities of today's high school students, for elite admissions, there is no substitute for strong academics. While occasionally exceptional extracurriculars can outweigh GPA and standardized test scores, such as gaining continuous international media attention to become a household name, this is exceedingly rare.
For 99% of students admitted to elite colleges, academic excellence was essential, and you will likely need it too. Always prioritize GPA and course rigor—they form the foundation of your application.