Karissa
I am a hard working student who has an easy time understanding material and applying it, but my ability to maintain a high GPA is difficult; How will this affect me when applying for colleges?
I am wondering how my low grades will affect my efforts to get into a good college. #college #teaching #teacher #students
3 answers
Rachel Resnick
Rachel’s Answer
<span style="background-color: transparent;">Collegeboard.org is a great resource for this! I poured through the pages of universities all over the U.S. when I was a senior in high school. Collegeboard was my go-to site! They put all of the information in one place and it is very easy to use. They even have various filters you can apply to see only colleges that have programs you are interested. To determine academic rigor, look at the admissions requirements, G.P.A. of past admitted applicants, SAT/ACT scores, class rank etc. This will give you an idea of what scores and grades you need to be accepted. However, don't be discouraged your application will be reviewed based on the full picture! College-board will help you get an idea of what is most important to the specific school you are applying to.</span>
This professional recommends the following next steps:
- <span style="background-color: transparent;">Chat with your Guidance Counselor</span>
- <span style="background-color: transparent;">Create a Collegeboard.org account</span>
- <span style="background-color: transparent;">Start using CollegeBoard as a resource to look up schools.</span>
Astrid Gonzalez, MBA
Astrid’s Answer
During the college admissions process many things are taken into consideration not just your gpa. But a high GPA will help get you noticed. Although no two applicants are the same their applications might be. If you and another applicant have the same test scores, same number of extracurriculars, same accomplishments but different GPAs, it could make or break you.
I encourage you to go online to collegeboard.org or the websites of the schools you're going to apply to and check out the statistics on how many applicants with your current GPA got in to get a better feel of how your GPA might affect your chances of getting in. Remember that GPA alone won't necessarily get you in or keep you out.
Hanleigh J., MPH
Hanleigh’s Answer
I understand it may be difficult to manage your GPA. When you look at the average GPA of accepted students on a college website, remember that it is an average, so there are scores on the lower end and there are scores on the higher end., so you don't necessarily have to have the average GPA. It is more of a guide and approximation of where you should. Also, remember that GPA is not the only thing that colleges are looking at, so also put time and effort into the other aspect of the application like you SAT/ACT scores, extracurriculars, recommendation letters, etc. Remember, you will be fine, and you will find the best-fit college for you!