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Neyssa
Student
Sarasota, Florida
1
Question
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Can I still go to college if I have bad grades my freshman year and straight A's the rest of high school?
Can I still go to college if I have bad grades my freshman year and straight A's the rest of high school?
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10 answers
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
454
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
Yes, of course you can. Schools often LIKE seeing improvements like this. That's not to say you should purposefully tank your grades freshman year, but a school will look at your entire high school career. Further, grades are not the only thing they look at. Activities, leadership, growth, etc., all play a major part in acceptance.
I don't know about Florida specifically, but here, if you graduate from an accredited high school, you will be accepted to a state school.
I don't know about Florida specifically, but here, if you graduate from an accredited high school, you will be accepted to a state school.
Taylor H
Management Consulting Senior Analyst
2
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Taylor’s Answer
Absolutely, college is within your reach! Your academic progress clearly indicates that you possess the capability to identify areas of struggle and effectively take the required measures to enhance them. This type of self-awareness and accountability will certainly help you succeed in college.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
600
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
You sure can. My grades weren’t ideal in HS, but I was able to take classes at a local Junior College and was able to transfer to a 4 year. You have options available.
Ellie Ostroff
Technology Sales
4
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Ellie’s Answer
Absolutely, you can still make it to college even if your high school scores weren't as high as you'd hoped. There are numerous paths you can take after graduation to help you land a spot in your dream school. Consider attending a community college; it's a fantastic chance to save some cash, boost your scores, and eventually make the move to a top-notch university. More often than not, this approach can open doors to a college that may have seemed out of reach straight from high school.
Michele Gordon
Strategic Account Executive
4
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Michele’s Answer
Absolutely! Schools certainly consider your growth and development throughout your high school journey. They recognize that moving from middle school to high school can be a challenging leap, and they're empathetic to that. So keep going, your progress matters!
Rian Alam
Student
139
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Rian’s Answer
Hi Neyssa,
Having an upward trend in your GPA is totally ok. Often times if you have any extenuating circumstances, college applications will have a space for you to address those areas and give you a chance to explain yourself. Being able to reflect on your own slights is also a great way to show growth and development.
Having an upward trend in your GPA is totally ok. Often times if you have any extenuating circumstances, college applications will have a space for you to address those areas and give you a chance to explain yourself. Being able to reflect on your own slights is also a great way to show growth and development.
Ilir M.
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Ilir’s Answer
Hello Neyssa!
Thanks for reaching out to us, I hope you are able to find some answers here that will give you some guidance!
Simply the fact that you are accepting you have not done as well as you wish you had in your freshman year of high school is more than half the battle! If you are able to get straight A's through the rest of high school as you are saying then you will have an abundant amount of college options to choose from.
Remember:
Keep your resolve in mind/ Remember what you are working towards when times get tough (straight A's for the next three years).
I would recommend doing your college search now, even if you are in your sophomore year! Doing this will give you some ideas on what schools are looking for, and this will help visualize your goal, to make it seem more real.
For example, I did a simple Google search "how to get into the ivy league school Colombia university,"
Here is what I learned: Colombia expects high school students to take honor's classes and/or Advanced Placement (AP) classes to prove you can go through rigorous courses and maintain a strong GPA.
There are also SAT/ACT score expectations, if you take a practice test and you aren't where you need to be for Colombia's standards then you have just given yourself a new goal!
Try not to pressure yourself too much with the overarching-grand goal of "Getting into a great college," it feels like a lot of pressure because it is!
I suggest breaking it down like this, because now you are aiming to preform well in some AP classes and practicing SAT questions.
Thanks for reaching out to us, I hope you are able to find some answers here that will give you some guidance!
Simply the fact that you are accepting you have not done as well as you wish you had in your freshman year of high school is more than half the battle! If you are able to get straight A's through the rest of high school as you are saying then you will have an abundant amount of college options to choose from.
Remember:
Keep your resolve in mind/ Remember what you are working towards when times get tough (straight A's for the next three years).
I would recommend doing your college search now, even if you are in your sophomore year! Doing this will give you some ideas on what schools are looking for, and this will help visualize your goal, to make it seem more real.
For example, I did a simple Google search "how to get into the ivy league school Colombia university,"
Here is what I learned: Colombia expects high school students to take honor's classes and/or Advanced Placement (AP) classes to prove you can go through rigorous courses and maintain a strong GPA.
There are also SAT/ACT score expectations, if you take a practice test and you aren't where you need to be for Colombia's standards then you have just given yourself a new goal!
Try not to pressure yourself too much with the overarching-grand goal of "Getting into a great college," it feels like a lot of pressure because it is!
I suggest breaking it down like this, because now you are aiming to preform well in some AP classes and practicing SAT questions.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6084
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey Neyssa,
Absolutely, even if your freshman year wasn't the best, you can definitely still get into college if you manage to pull up your grades and score straight A’s for the rest of high school. Remember, colleges look at more than just grades. They consider things like your involvement in extracurricular activities, your personal statement, letters of recommendation, and your academic progress over time.
Here's what colleges consider:
GPA Trends: Admissions folks like to see how your grades have changed over time. If you've managed to turn things around after a shaky start, it shows them you're dedicated and can handle tough situations.
Extracurricular Activities: Being active outside of class, whether that's through leadership roles, community service, or showcasing unique talents, can make you stand out. It shows you're a well-rounded person who can bring something special to their campus.
Personal Statement: This is your chance to explain any early struggles and how you overcame them. It's your opportunity to share your journey, dreams, and why you'd be a great fit for the college, despite any initial hiccups.
Recommendation Letters: A strong letter from a teacher or mentor who can vouch for your growth, character, and potential can really boost your application.
Standardized Tests: Good scores on tests like the SAT or ACT can help strengthen your application and show off your academic skills.
In conclusion, don't worry if your freshman year was a bit rocky. If you can show consistent improvement and excellence in the following years, you can still put together a strong college application. It's all about showing your commitment to doing well acadically and growing as a person.
Here are the top 3 reliable sources I used:
The College Board: This trusted source offers helpful info on college admissions processes, standardized testing requirements (like the SAT), and advice for students transitioning from high school to college.
U.S. News & World Report - Education Section: This section of U.S. News & World Report gives insights into college rankings, admissions advice, trends in higher education, and expert opinions on the college application process.
National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC): NACAC is a professional organization that supports high school counselors and college admission professionals. They offer guidance on best practices in college admissions and student transitions to higher education institutions.
Take care and good luck!
James.
Absolutely, even if your freshman year wasn't the best, you can definitely still get into college if you manage to pull up your grades and score straight A’s for the rest of high school. Remember, colleges look at more than just grades. They consider things like your involvement in extracurricular activities, your personal statement, letters of recommendation, and your academic progress over time.
Here's what colleges consider:
GPA Trends: Admissions folks like to see how your grades have changed over time. If you've managed to turn things around after a shaky start, it shows them you're dedicated and can handle tough situations.
Extracurricular Activities: Being active outside of class, whether that's through leadership roles, community service, or showcasing unique talents, can make you stand out. It shows you're a well-rounded person who can bring something special to their campus.
Personal Statement: This is your chance to explain any early struggles and how you overcame them. It's your opportunity to share your journey, dreams, and why you'd be a great fit for the college, despite any initial hiccups.
Recommendation Letters: A strong letter from a teacher or mentor who can vouch for your growth, character, and potential can really boost your application.
Standardized Tests: Good scores on tests like the SAT or ACT can help strengthen your application and show off your academic skills.
In conclusion, don't worry if your freshman year was a bit rocky. If you can show consistent improvement and excellence in the following years, you can still put together a strong college application. It's all about showing your commitment to doing well acadically and growing as a person.
Here are the top 3 reliable sources I used:
The College Board: This trusted source offers helpful info on college admissions processes, standardized testing requirements (like the SAT), and advice for students transitioning from high school to college.
U.S. News & World Report - Education Section: This section of U.S. News & World Report gives insights into college rankings, admissions advice, trends in higher education, and expert opinions on the college application process.
National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC): NACAC is a professional organization that supports high school counselors and college admission professionals. They offer guidance on best practices in college admissions and student transitions to higher education institutions.
Take care and good luck!
James.
Jim Nguyen
Senior Contract Sourcing Manager
36
Answers
South Plainfield, New Jersey
Updated
Jim’s Answer
Hi Neyssa,
Yes, you can. Please try to apply to different colleges. Each college has different requirements. College will consider your growth and development throughout your high school journey. Don't give up!
Good luck!
Yes, you can. Please try to apply to different colleges. Each college has different requirements. College will consider your growth and development throughout your high school journey. Don't give up!
Good luck!
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
204
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hello Neyssa, how's everything going? We're grateful that you've reached out to us. Your willingness to seek help with your concerns is truly appreciated. We're optimistic about being able to assist you with your queries. You've asked an excellent question!
The journey to college involves many considerations. Indeed, your GPA plays a significant role in college admissions, serving as evidence of your potential to excel academically once you join their institution. However, there are other aspects to consider, which include:
1) Strive for academic excellence in high school. Aim for good grades that meet the GPA requirements of your desired colleges. Give it your all!
2) Excel in your entrance exams, particularly the Achievement Test. Pay extra attention to sections like essay writing.
3) During your interview, highlight your strengths and potential contributions to the school. Showcase why you'd be a valuable addition to their community.
4) Make the most of your high school experience while preparing for college. Treat your college admission requirements seriously and put forth your best effort as a student. With hard work and dedication, things will naturally fall into place.
Best of luck, Neyssa!
The journey to college involves many considerations. Indeed, your GPA plays a significant role in college admissions, serving as evidence of your potential to excel academically once you join their institution. However, there are other aspects to consider, which include:
1) Strive for academic excellence in high school. Aim for good grades that meet the GPA requirements of your desired colleges. Give it your all!
2) Excel in your entrance exams, particularly the Achievement Test. Pay extra attention to sections like essay writing.
3) During your interview, highlight your strengths and potential contributions to the school. Showcase why you'd be a valuable addition to their community.
4) Make the most of your high school experience while preparing for college. Treat your college admission requirements seriously and put forth your best effort as a student. With hard work and dedication, things will naturally fall into place.
Best of luck, Neyssa!