2 answers
Reem
Student
Siloam Springs, Arkansas
1
Question
Updated
134 views
Academic Advice?
I am currently a high school student in my junior year. I would not say my grades during freshman and sophomore years were great at all. Previously, I was an all-A+ student and an honor roll recipient. My GPA drastically dropped. Due to depression, my GPA dropped drastically to about 3.2 and below.
I wish I had someone to consult, but I cannot change the past so there won't be a point. I am currently trying my best to regain the hard-working scholar I once was. Although it may be late, I am determined to make a strong comeback to impress Universities.
What are your recommendations? What do you advice?
Thank you!
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2 answers
George Zou, M.S.
Academic Advisor
6
Answers
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Updated
George’s Answer
It's really commendable that you're determined to make a strong comeback, and while it might feel like you're running out of time, there is definitely still room to make a big impact on your academic journey. Here are some recommendations to help you regain your academic momentum and strengthen your college application:
1. Prioritize Mental Health
Address Root Causes: Since your GPA drop was related to depression, it's crucial to address that. Consider talking to a counselor or therapist if you're not already. Mental health is foundational to academic success.
Build Healthy Habits: Ensure you're maintaining healthy routines—sleep, exercise, and a good diet—since these impact focus and mood.
2. Focus on Current and Future Performance
Strong Junior Year Performance: Your junior year is extremely important in college admissions. Aim for improvement now—take challenging courses, and put in consistent effort. Colleges often look at your GPA trend, so an upward trend will show resilience.
Get Extra Help: If you’re struggling in certain subjects, don't hesitate to ask for extra help—either from teachers, tutors, or online resources. There are plenty of free or low-cost options.
Improve Study Habits: Focus on effective study techniques, like active recall, spaced repetition, and breaking study time into focused blocks (Pomodoro technique).
3. Engage in Extracurriculars
Show Leadership or Passion Projects: Universities like to see involvement outside academics. Join clubs, take leadership roles, or start a personal project that aligns with your interests (for instance, something related to your love for neuroscience or physics). Even if you are late to join, the impact you make in a year can be significant if you're passionate.
Volunteer: Consider volunteering in areas that matter to you. Showing dedication outside the classroom highlights your well-rounded character.
4. Be Strategic with Your Course Selection
Weighted GPA: If possible, take honors, AP, or IB courses, as these can boost your GPA. Be cautious not to overload yourself, but a few challenging courses will show rigor.
Focus on Strengths: For example, if you're good at physics and passionate about neuroscience, look for opportunities to shine in science-related courses or independent studies.
5. Prepare for Standardized Tests
Test-Optional Schools: Some schools are test-optional, but strong SAT/ACT scores can balance out a lower GPA. Start preparing for those now if you plan to take them.
AP Exams and SAT Subject Tests: If you are strong in certain subjects, scoring well on AP exams or SAT subject tests can help demonstrate your academic strengths.
6. Craft a Strong Application
Personal Essay: Your story of overcoming challenges like depression can be a compelling personal essay topic. Focus on resilience, personal growth, and what you’ve learned through the process.
Letters of Recommendation: Build strong relationships with teachers who can write about your abilities and perseverance. A teacher who has seen your improvement will be a valuable advocate.
7. Look for Scholarships
Since scholarships are a key hurdle for you, start researching ones that value personal stories of overcoming adversity, as well as academic performance in specific areas like physics or neuroscience.
By taking these steps, you can demonstrate your resilience and potential to universities. It's never too late to make a strong impression!
1. Prioritize Mental Health
Address Root Causes: Since your GPA drop was related to depression, it's crucial to address that. Consider talking to a counselor or therapist if you're not already. Mental health is foundational to academic success.
Build Healthy Habits: Ensure you're maintaining healthy routines—sleep, exercise, and a good diet—since these impact focus and mood.
2. Focus on Current and Future Performance
Strong Junior Year Performance: Your junior year is extremely important in college admissions. Aim for improvement now—take challenging courses, and put in consistent effort. Colleges often look at your GPA trend, so an upward trend will show resilience.
Get Extra Help: If you’re struggling in certain subjects, don't hesitate to ask for extra help—either from teachers, tutors, or online resources. There are plenty of free or low-cost options.
Improve Study Habits: Focus on effective study techniques, like active recall, spaced repetition, and breaking study time into focused blocks (Pomodoro technique).
3. Engage in Extracurriculars
Show Leadership or Passion Projects: Universities like to see involvement outside academics. Join clubs, take leadership roles, or start a personal project that aligns with your interests (for instance, something related to your love for neuroscience or physics). Even if you are late to join, the impact you make in a year can be significant if you're passionate.
Volunteer: Consider volunteering in areas that matter to you. Showing dedication outside the classroom highlights your well-rounded character.
4. Be Strategic with Your Course Selection
Weighted GPA: If possible, take honors, AP, or IB courses, as these can boost your GPA. Be cautious not to overload yourself, but a few challenging courses will show rigor.
Focus on Strengths: For example, if you're good at physics and passionate about neuroscience, look for opportunities to shine in science-related courses or independent studies.
5. Prepare for Standardized Tests
Test-Optional Schools: Some schools are test-optional, but strong SAT/ACT scores can balance out a lower GPA. Start preparing for those now if you plan to take them.
AP Exams and SAT Subject Tests: If you are strong in certain subjects, scoring well on AP exams or SAT subject tests can help demonstrate your academic strengths.
6. Craft a Strong Application
Personal Essay: Your story of overcoming challenges like depression can be a compelling personal essay topic. Focus on resilience, personal growth, and what you’ve learned through the process.
Letters of Recommendation: Build strong relationships with teachers who can write about your abilities and perseverance. A teacher who has seen your improvement will be a valuable advocate.
7. Look for Scholarships
Since scholarships are a key hurdle for you, start researching ones that value personal stories of overcoming adversity, as well as academic performance in specific areas like physics or neuroscience.
By taking these steps, you can demonstrate your resilience and potential to universities. It's never too late to make a strong impression!
Mr. George, I appreciate all of this valuable information, and thank you for the advice!
Reem
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
334
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
First, Reem, I commend you for addressing your depression and reaching out for advice. By doing so, you are taking steps toward a brighter future.
I would advise you to share this information with colleges you are applying to. Trying to get an education during the pandemic was difficult for many students so I suspect that many had dips in their grades. Point out that your GPA has begun to climb again after you found effective treatment. Your guidance counselor writes reports for each students; he or she should emphasize your diligence, maturity, and sense of responsibility (and other qualities you used to restore your academic performance).
As you consider colleges, look at the support structures they provide, from mental health to wellness programs to tutoring to writing support to resident and academic advising. A good sign would be if they provide many services and make information about them easy to find. A bad sign would be not many services or not easy to find because it may show less commitment to helping their students succeed. I also encourage you to visit campuses and see if the students seem happy or stressed (for a truer read, don't visit during exams). You would be surprised by what you could pick up observing students on campus or maybe asking a few random students about their experience.
Good luck!
I would advise you to share this information with colleges you are applying to. Trying to get an education during the pandemic was difficult for many students so I suspect that many had dips in their grades. Point out that your GPA has begun to climb again after you found effective treatment. Your guidance counselor writes reports for each students; he or she should emphasize your diligence, maturity, and sense of responsibility (and other qualities you used to restore your academic performance).
As you consider colleges, look at the support structures they provide, from mental health to wellness programs to tutoring to writing support to resident and academic advising. A good sign would be if they provide many services and make information about them easy to find. A bad sign would be not many services or not easy to find because it may show less commitment to helping their students succeed. I also encourage you to visit campuses and see if the students seem happy or stressed (for a truer read, don't visit during exams). You would be surprised by what you could pick up observing students on campus or maybe asking a few random students about their experience.
Good luck!
Ms. Martha, thank you for giving me advice!
Reem