What is academic probation?

Academic probation means that you are "not in good standing" academically. Usually it's driven by your GPA, but it might also be related to not taking enough classes in a certain period of time. Academic probation is a way for the school to tell you that if you do not improve your academic performance you will be asked to leave the school. (I'm generalizing, so some schools will treat it differently from others). The likelihood of being put on academic probation right from the start is essentially zero (if I had to guess I would guess that it has never happened at any college ever) because if the school thought that you were not going to be able to be in good standing academically they wouldn't have admitted you.

Now the good news: It's never too late to get your grades up! I started High school with Cs and Ds but once I realized that I was doing everything wrong and got some help, I got my grades up every semester for the rest of high school and ended up with a B+ average. If you're getting Cs and Ds, my suggestion is to take a look at how you're spending your time, and ask for help after school from (1) your favorite teachers, and (2) the students you know with the best grades. If all I knew was that your GPA was 2.1, I'd guess that you could make huge improvements from getting yourself motivated, making sure you eat right and exercise with a purpose, and most importantly practicing organizing yourself and studying every single day. Take breaks during studying, but only short breaks. I believe in you, so you should believe in yourself!

(And when in doubt: I listen to Eric Thomas :)

Hi Brendan,

Thanks for posting your question. I can totally relate to your GPA struggles because my final high school GPA was about where yours is now. Now to your main concern.

First, you need to understand that freshman admission into ASU is very competitive as you can see here:

https://students.asu.edu/freshman/requirements

BUT... there are alternative options available. ASU recently partnered with edX to launch what they call the "Freshman Global Academy" which allows you to take freshman level courses developed by ASU on edX that are A) Cheaper B) Fully transferable. In addition, you don't have to formally apply to ASU. You simply have to registered on edX, pay the fees, and complete the courses.

https://www.edx.org/gfa

If you earn credit through edX or if you complete coursework, including up to an associate's degree at another school, then the admissions requirements change. In fact, it appears to be easier to transfer into ASU than to apply as a freshman:

https://transfer.asu.edu/apply

They have a guaranteed admission program whereby graduates who complete associate degrees at community colleges in Arizona, Washington, California, and Illinois will be 100% admitted into a degree program at ASU. Now that doesn't mean that you HAVE to move to either of these states or complete an online program through one of these schools. You could just as well complete at least a year at your local community college or even the full associate's and then apply. Doing well through either the edX program and/or at your local community college will greatly improve your chances of being admitted.

I hope this helps and best of luck!

Hi Brendan!

While you are in high school, it might be a good idea to talk to your school counselor to see if you can do something to improve your study habits, so that you could increase your GPA. This will help in college also. You might also consider going to a community college first to ease your way into college. Community colleges many times have special programs to allow students with low GPAs to develop habits that will allow them to achieve at a higher level at a four year college. All of your credits would transfer, and you could possibly get into your chosen with a higher GPA and the ability to maintain it without fear of being thrown out due to a low GPA.

Please let me know how your progress. Send thank you notes to those who help you. Best of luck!