5 answers
Emery
Student
Peoria, Illinois
1
Question
Asked
366 views
How What should I do as a sophomore to get into a good college as someone who doesn’t have the best GPA and doesn’t have lots of financial resources to help them ?
I would like to go into the medical field and become a doctor of some sort. My top choice is a pediatric surgeon or a children psychologist. I do lots of clubs and play sports.
5 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1750
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Emery !
It is great that you are preparing for college and I must commend you on being active with extracurriculars as that is usually one of the things that colleges look at. In order to understand what you should do in high school before college, it would help to know what college you want to attend. It would also help to decide between being a Doctor or a Psychologist. Once you are sure on the career, you can explore the college programs and see what the particular college is requiring from applicants. But right now, you are doing the right things in High School.
In high school, you may want to take consecutive years of human sciences and psychology. Once you decide what career you want, then you can decide what to major in in college, but since you aren't sure, explore the two careers a little further. That will guide you towards what to take in high school and then what to major in.
Since you are concerned about your GPA, you can bring it up by obtaining a tutor or taking remedial classes online for the subjects you need help with. Look at some college's GPA requirements, too. I am not sure what you consider to be a "good" college, but Illinois State University in your city of Peoria requires a GPA of 3.39 for admission. Bradley University doesn't actually have a GPA requirement but uses who they have accepted for a range of typical acceptance GPAs. That range is anywhere from 3.50 - 4.00 but they do accept a few students that have a 2.50 - 2.90 GPA from high school. So it's going to actually depend on what exact college you will apply to, but in general, now may be the time to improve your GPA because you want to increase your learning. Only you know the changes you will have to make in order to study more and obtain assistance if you need it.
It is perfectly fine to do your undergraduate academics for your two career choices at a local, state or in-state private college. If you go for a Psychology career, you can figure out if you want to go to what you deem a "good" college for your Masters Degree and if you decide to become a Doctor, you will have to choose the Medical School that will best fit your requirements as a good college. But my perspective is that all colleges are good. If it is that you want an expensive famous name college, that is a different story. Much information about each college can be found online through a search and many colleges have You Tube Channels with tours of the schools. That can give you a broader idea of the various colleges and then you can look up what their GPA requirement is.
So try to improve anything that you know will be a factor for college admission. You're already wonderfully active with extracurriculars, so think about what you can do personally to improve your GPA. This is something that you will have to decide because you will be the one making the changes if they are needed.
Best wishes to you and feel free to return here to ask more specific questions about what concerns you.
It is great that you are preparing for college and I must commend you on being active with extracurriculars as that is usually one of the things that colleges look at. In order to understand what you should do in high school before college, it would help to know what college you want to attend. It would also help to decide between being a Doctor or a Psychologist. Once you are sure on the career, you can explore the college programs and see what the particular college is requiring from applicants. But right now, you are doing the right things in High School.
In high school, you may want to take consecutive years of human sciences and psychology. Once you decide what career you want, then you can decide what to major in in college, but since you aren't sure, explore the two careers a little further. That will guide you towards what to take in high school and then what to major in.
Since you are concerned about your GPA, you can bring it up by obtaining a tutor or taking remedial classes online for the subjects you need help with. Look at some college's GPA requirements, too. I am not sure what you consider to be a "good" college, but Illinois State University in your city of Peoria requires a GPA of 3.39 for admission. Bradley University doesn't actually have a GPA requirement but uses who they have accepted for a range of typical acceptance GPAs. That range is anywhere from 3.50 - 4.00 but they do accept a few students that have a 2.50 - 2.90 GPA from high school. So it's going to actually depend on what exact college you will apply to, but in general, now may be the time to improve your GPA because you want to increase your learning. Only you know the changes you will have to make in order to study more and obtain assistance if you need it.
It is perfectly fine to do your undergraduate academics for your two career choices at a local, state or in-state private college. If you go for a Psychology career, you can figure out if you want to go to what you deem a "good" college for your Masters Degree and if you decide to become a Doctor, you will have to choose the Medical School that will best fit your requirements as a good college. But my perspective is that all colleges are good. If it is that you want an expensive famous name college, that is a different story. Much information about each college can be found online through a search and many colleges have You Tube Channels with tours of the schools. That can give you a broader idea of the various colleges and then you can look up what their GPA requirement is.
So try to improve anything that you know will be a factor for college admission. You're already wonderfully active with extracurriculars, so think about what you can do personally to improve your GPA. This is something that you will have to decide because you will be the one making the changes if they are needed.
Best wishes to you and feel free to return here to ask more specific questions about what concerns you.
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Emery
I'm happy that it was helpful, Emery !
Michelle M.
Perry Zuckerman
Psychiatrist
7
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Perry’s Answer
Hello Emery,
If you are a high school sophomore, your GPA is nowhere near finalized to what it will be when you apply for college. Don't panic. You still have plenty of time to improve your grades. Obviously, you want to make sure that you are studying for your classes. That probably includes reviewing your class notes and the textbook; not just doing your homework. If you can, get some advice from students a year or two ahead of you. Maybe a tutor can help. If you are asking this question, then you can and will improve your GPA over time.
As for financial help, this is not an area that I can say much about, except that your high school advisor or counselor can probably help you find someone who can help with that.
Don't worry about how you will do in college right now. [Selecting a college is a different matter, best discussed elsewhere - I see that the person above had some comments about this.] The time to think about how and what you will do in college will be when you get there. As the saying goes "You will cross that bridge when you come to it".
Good luck,
Perry
If you are a high school sophomore, your GPA is nowhere near finalized to what it will be when you apply for college. Don't panic. You still have plenty of time to improve your grades. Obviously, you want to make sure that you are studying for your classes. That probably includes reviewing your class notes and the textbook; not just doing your homework. If you can, get some advice from students a year or two ahead of you. Maybe a tutor can help. If you are asking this question, then you can and will improve your GPA over time.
As for financial help, this is not an area that I can say much about, except that your high school advisor or counselor can probably help you find someone who can help with that.
Don't worry about how you will do in college right now. [Selecting a college is a different matter, best discussed elsewhere - I see that the person above had some comments about this.] The time to think about how and what you will do in college will be when you get there. As the saying goes "You will cross that bridge when you come to it".
Good luck,
Perry
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Emery
Joseph Ford
160
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Here's my 2 cents. Lets look at financial situation first. I would suggest online courses or attend a Jr College to get you started. Its cheaper and these preliminary courses are transferable. Afterwards if your GPA at the Jr College level is acceptable then apply to the college of choice. Take it a step at a time just keep reaching for your goal eventually it will happen and you will be successful.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Emery
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
295
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
I join the others in commending you for thinking seriously about college this early enough in high school that you could make substantive changes. You have gotten solid advice, especially that a college that would be a good fit for you may not necessarily be internationally known. And that is okay; if it facilitates your personal and intellectual growth, it will fulfill its purpose.
I wanted to talk a little about your extra-curricular's. I agree with Michelle that they are important for your enjoyment and satisfaction, as well as for college admissions. But it is better to show contribution and leadership in a few slubs than have less to say about involvement in many. Plus being so busy with extra curricular activities may be detracting from your time to study or your focus when you are studying. I don't know you so this may not be the case, but I wanted to mention for your consideration.
Good luck!
I wanted to talk a little about your extra-curricular's. I agree with Michelle that they are important for your enjoyment and satisfaction, as well as for college admissions. But it is better to show contribution and leadership in a few slubs than have less to say about involvement in many. Plus being so busy with extra curricular activities may be detracting from your time to study or your focus when you are studying. I don't know you so this may not be the case, but I wanted to mention for your consideration.
Good luck!
Shelia Bereszniewicz
Seller enblement
85
Answers
Woodstock, Georgia
Updated
Shelia’s Answer
Hello Emery,
It's fantastic to see the amount of insightful information you've gathered on how to boost your overall GPA. I'm curious, with your active involvement in sports and clubs, how do you manage your time between these activities and studying for your classes?
My youngest daughter has created a study routine that's really helping her shine in medical school. She dedicates time to go over crucial study materials regularly. By consistently reviewing these materials and actively participating in her classes or labs, she's positioned herself as a standout candidate for a residency, all thanks to her impressive scores.
The secret to understanding any subject lies in a solid study habit of regularly reviewing course materials. Cultivating strong study habits during high school can set you up for success in college, whether you're pursuing a master's in Psychology or embarking on four years of medical school.
Here's to your success!
It's fantastic to see the amount of insightful information you've gathered on how to boost your overall GPA. I'm curious, with your active involvement in sports and clubs, how do you manage your time between these activities and studying for your classes?
My youngest daughter has created a study routine that's really helping her shine in medical school. She dedicates time to go over crucial study materials regularly. By consistently reviewing these materials and actively participating in her classes or labs, she's positioned herself as a standout candidate for a residency, all thanks to her impressive scores.
The secret to understanding any subject lies in a solid study habit of regularly reviewing course materials. Cultivating strong study habits during high school can set you up for success in college, whether you're pursuing a master's in Psychology or embarking on four years of medical school.
Here's to your success!
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