6 answers
Prathiv
Student
Burlington, Massachusetts
7
Questions
Asked
987 views
I have a low GPA as a freshman, how would that affect my application to colleges?
I’ve newly joined a high school freshman year, straight after moving internationally. But while adjusting, I realized my GPA is terrible for what my aspirations are. It’s a 3.76 unweighted and I’m nervous it’ll affect my application to college in the long run. Any idea how I can help it?
6 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Prathiv !
I would like to give some advice to you as you have already been successful with the international move and it is good that you are concerned about your grades. You know, I'm going to be honest with you, a 3.76 is a good GPA , not bad. You have a lot of time to bring it up to a 4.00 if that is your goal because you are in 9th grade so you have much to consider and time is on your side.
Most Ivy League colleges do expect a 4.0 but many just expect as close to a 4.0 as possible. I think that you need to prepare yourself in other ways too, though, because college acceptance is more than just a GPA. Try to figure out - I know it's early for this - what schools you want to apply to and look up their GPA requirements. This way, you'll know as you go along, if you're GPA is consistent with what you want to do. But don't put undue pressure upon yourself over this. Have a study schedule and take classes that you enjoy and understand. If you are having difficulty with a class obtain a tutor or ask for extra help. Reach out for assistance as that will help you understand the material and that is what is most important.
My advice is that you should be conscious of your GPA as you go along, but do not make it a motivating factor or source of stress. You should enjoy your high school years. It will be important that you get involved with extracurricular activities, too, because they weigh heavily on college acceptance. Perform well because letters of recommendation for college admissions mean a lot, too. Try not to look at your school work as a race with a score as the finished product. The important thing is that you learn, understand and are able to demonstrate your ability with the things you've learned. I think you'll do great !
Going forward in high school, choose classes that will serve your personal education, not classes that will be a difficulty because than education will be a challenge and not the enriching experience it should be for you. Enjoy your learning and don't cram in too much work for yourself. You're going to be fine, get accepted to a college and be able to go the length of getting your college degree. We have all done it in our own ways, but it has been and can be done.
I would like to give some advice to you as you have already been successful with the international move and it is good that you are concerned about your grades. You know, I'm going to be honest with you, a 3.76 is a good GPA , not bad. You have a lot of time to bring it up to a 4.00 if that is your goal because you are in 9th grade so you have much to consider and time is on your side.
Most Ivy League colleges do expect a 4.0 but many just expect as close to a 4.0 as possible. I think that you need to prepare yourself in other ways too, though, because college acceptance is more than just a GPA. Try to figure out - I know it's early for this - what schools you want to apply to and look up their GPA requirements. This way, you'll know as you go along, if you're GPA is consistent with what you want to do. But don't put undue pressure upon yourself over this. Have a study schedule and take classes that you enjoy and understand. If you are having difficulty with a class obtain a tutor or ask for extra help. Reach out for assistance as that will help you understand the material and that is what is most important.
My advice is that you should be conscious of your GPA as you go along, but do not make it a motivating factor or source of stress. You should enjoy your high school years. It will be important that you get involved with extracurricular activities, too, because they weigh heavily on college acceptance. Perform well because letters of recommendation for college admissions mean a lot, too. Try not to look at your school work as a race with a score as the finished product. The important thing is that you learn, understand and are able to demonstrate your ability with the things you've learned. I think you'll do great !
Going forward in high school, choose classes that will serve your personal education, not classes that will be a difficulty because than education will be a challenge and not the enriching experience it should be for you. Enjoy your learning and don't cram in too much work for yourself. You're going to be fine, get accepted to a college and be able to go the length of getting your college degree. We have all done it in our own ways, but it has been and can be done.
Thanks for the advice, I was really worried!
Prathiv
You are very welcome, Prathiv !
Michelle M.
Amalya Sukiasyan
ESOL teacher at Washington English Center
297
Answers
Yerevan
Updated
Amalya’s Answer
Hi Prathiv,
You can just work on your skills and improve your study abilities. Try to do well on your classes at school and improve your scores.
Overall GPA is important in college application, but it’s not everything. Other factors are also considered.
You can just work on your skills and improve your study abilities. Try to do well on your classes at school and improve your scores.
Overall GPA is important in college application, but it’s not everything. Other factors are also considered.
Murph, Erlis
Academic Advisor
37
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Murph,’s Answer
I'm not familiar with the grading system in your school, but what is a 3.76 translate to? So here's the good new, as a freshman with college aspirations, most colleges will not hold your freshman year against up if your last few years (junior and senior year specifically), show an upward swing. You still have plenty of room to lift your grades, volunteer and do plenty of things in your school and your community to make yourself attractive to college recruiters. Speak with your career counselor and your school counselor, tell them your plan to go to college and come up with a plan you can follow to turn things around and prepare for college. The fact that you are thinking about this now means a lot and I would bet you will be successful. But you have to put in the work and make every term count. You got this!
Michel Davis
Medical student
171
Answers
Cranston, Rhode Island
Updated
Michel’s Answer
I was on the bottom half of my high school and currently in medical school. Yes grades are absolutely important. But they are not always going to be everything. Sometimes you need to reset and figure out what is working and what is not working. Are you having a hard time with the material. Having a hard time with getting time to study. Having a hard time focusing in class you need to figure out what that is, and go from there. The transition from any step in education is a process and takes time to learn. 8th to high school new transition high school to college new transition. We need to figure out what the new difficulties are and learn from mistakes. It is a hard transition, but if you sit back and analyze typically we can figure out where are mistakes are and how to grow from them.
Jason White
Lead Product Manager- Network Security
68
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hello Prathiv,
First off, let me assure you that a 3.76 GPA is a commendable achievement, particularly for a freshman. Depending on the specific requirements of your dream school or future career, a 4.0 GPA might not be necessary for admission or scholarships. Remember, you still have plenty of time in your academic journey to boost your GPA, so there's no need to worry.
If you ever find yourself facing difficulties in any course, don't hesitate to reach out to your teacher for additional guidance and support. Set a goal for yourself and seek help from your teacher to devise a plan to improve in areas that might be challenging for you. This extra effort will not only help in enhancing your grades but also serve as a significant point of discussion when you meet with an admissions counselor at a prestigious school in the future. It will highlight your dedication and perseverance, setting you apart from others.
First off, let me assure you that a 3.76 GPA is a commendable achievement, particularly for a freshman. Depending on the specific requirements of your dream school or future career, a 4.0 GPA might not be necessary for admission or scholarships. Remember, you still have plenty of time in your academic journey to boost your GPA, so there's no need to worry.
If you ever find yourself facing difficulties in any course, don't hesitate to reach out to your teacher for additional guidance and support. Set a goal for yourself and seek help from your teacher to devise a plan to improve in areas that might be challenging for you. This extra effort will not only help in enhancing your grades but also serve as a significant point of discussion when you meet with an admissions counselor at a prestigious school in the future. It will highlight your dedication and perseverance, setting you apart from others.
Houcine Lakhchach
Career Development Specialist | U.S Department exchange Alumnus | EFL/ESL trainer | Program manager
139
Answers
Kenitra, Gharb-Chrarda-Beni Hssen, Morocco
Updated
Houcine’s Answer
Hi Prathiv,
Embarking on high school in a new country and grappling with the adjustments can indeed present challenges. Your current GPA of 3.76, while not low, reflects a transitional period, and colleges often take into account the context of such situations. To enhance your college application, focus on achieving consistency and improvement in your grades throughout the upcoming years. Colleges appreciate upward trends in academic performance, illustrating adaptability and resilience. Engaging in extracurricular activities that resonate with your interests will contribute to a well-rounded profile. Whether through clubs, sports, or community service, showcasing your involvement beyond academics is valuable. Additionally, nurture relationships with teachers who can provide strong letters of recommendation, offering insights into your character and potential. If your freshman year challenges were influenced by the international move, consider addressing this in your college application essay. Providing context for your academic journey can offer a more comprehensive understanding of your circumstances.
Best regards,
Houcine
Embarking on high school in a new country and grappling with the adjustments can indeed present challenges. Your current GPA of 3.76, while not low, reflects a transitional period, and colleges often take into account the context of such situations. To enhance your college application, focus on achieving consistency and improvement in your grades throughout the upcoming years. Colleges appreciate upward trends in academic performance, illustrating adaptability and resilience. Engaging in extracurricular activities that resonate with your interests will contribute to a well-rounded profile. Whether through clubs, sports, or community service, showcasing your involvement beyond academics is valuable. Additionally, nurture relationships with teachers who can provide strong letters of recommendation, offering insights into your character and potential. If your freshman year challenges were influenced by the international move, consider addressing this in your college application essay. Providing context for your academic journey can offer a more comprehensive understanding of your circumstances.
Best regards,
Houcine
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