A Junior in College-Low GPA 1.8-Needs help

Hey guys!
I really need some honest advice. I am a Junior in college and have a really bad GPA like 1.8 and my GPA has been really low for the whole time in college. I really don’t know if I have a chance for any good Graduate programs, I am looking to do Law, but I don’t think I can get into any schools. Do I still have a chance if I put in a lot of hard work next semester and my senior year? I am really anxious I feel like I have no future.I am ashamed to tell my parents, they really believe in me. What should I do. I cant afford to take another year or take the semester off?? Please help !!!

Going Crazy

What’s going to change?
You need to reassess what you are not currently doing.

Are you going to office hours?
Have you met with tutors?
Have you visited the writing center to have your essays edited?
Have you formed study groups?
Are you meeting with the profs or GAs?
How do you review your class materials?

Thank you “aunt bea” … I must admit I have not been very proactive. I know this is all of my fault. But do I still have a chance into getting anywhere ?

@rufflifeJones - I would say yes…you can create some opportunities, but you may have to take a slightly less direct path.

The first thing you have to do is improve your grades. The trajectory of your grades will be important to show you’ve matured and can do the work. The other thing that came to mind is taking a year or two off in between. Showing that you have taken a job, worked hard, and have decided to return to school might offer more than just attempting to go directly to another school.

There are chances, but you’re running out of time to create them. Focus on short-term goals (ie grades, homework, getting help if needed)…weekly goals. Don’t look 3 semesters out and panic. Remain calm and stay committed. If you really work at it, you’ll have options.

That could be a sign of ADHD. Get on meds, then go back and gradually ease back into school. Take only a couple classes, enough to get off of academic probation. Its OK to lengthen it out a semester or two until you graduate. Once you graduate, you’re good. Most employers aren’t concerned about grades.

Ask your professors.

The LSAT matters in admissions too. Start studying for it now.

I also got a 1.8 this semster. Physics brought my GPA down. My mom already hired a tutor for physics already. So this coming week I will be getting help.

You cannot go to law school without an undergrad degree, and I fear with a gpa that low you will not graduate.

Get your gpa up by choosing your classes more carefully and then completing them.

There are law schools that will take you, but they will cost a lot and you will have a very hard time getting employment out of those schools. Research the schools very carefully.

It’s still possible to go to law school too. After you graduate, try taking graduate classes at University of Phoenix and make sure you get As in all of them. It would still be a long shot, but that could help you get in.

@coolguy40 no no no!!! University of Phoenix is a for-profit school and their courses are worth nothing. Do NOT take courses there.

So the people who have degrees from the University of Phoenix are worthless? Just because you going to a rich school (University of Richmond) doesn’t mean down people. I go to a state school, does that mean my degree is worthless compare?

@NASA2014 I’m on a full-tuition scholarship (I’m not rich; with my scholarships it was my cheapest option. And yes that included in-state schools). Furthermore, where I go to school is irrelevant.

For-profit schools are not respected by grad schools such as law schools or in industry/job market. Having a degree from one is often like having no degree at all. The University of Phoenix is also currently under investigation by the FTC and under sanctions by the department of education.

If you want to raise your GPA, take classes from an accredited NON-profit college. State school or private, community college or four-year. Doesn’t matter as long as it’s non-profit. Go where it’s affordable.

Community college or local state school would be much better than Phoenix.

Have you read the book called how to become a straight A student by pal newport and done what it teaches?

Have you considered retaking the classes that you have done poorly in? By doing this and get better grades than the first time, the better grade for each course will be calculated in your GPA.

Yes you still have a shot at graduate school because GPA is not the only thing they look at. In addition to GPA, they look at GRE scores, personal statement or essay, letters of reccomendation, and maybe achievements, work experience, projects, involvements, etc. do your best to raise your GPA, study for the GRE, get involved in things that could get you good reccomendation letters, and find internships relevant to your field of study.

I know some people are trying to give you encouragement, but truthfully right now you’re toast. You need to look back on your college experience and determine why your gpa is that bad. If it’s correctable, then good get it corrected. If not, then maybe college is not for you. If so, cut your losses and get on with life. As for grad school, good luck with that. I don’t see it happening in the near future. Your best bet would be to take several years off and work. At least that will give them something to look at. Good luck.

I have to agree with the above. In your position, I would take time off, get a job for a year or so, do as well as you possibly can, and go back and finish your degree with the best grades possible. You can go on to a masters degree then. I would say think of another path that interests you. Post 3 is spot on.

Exactly! With a 1.8 GPA, you should be on academic probation, possibly, at risk of losing any financial aid you might be receiving and being academically dismissed from this institution. Worrying about graduate programs at this stage is like putting the cart before the horse. OP, are your meeting satisfactory academic progress (SAP)? With a GPA that low, you have likely failed a few courses along the way.

Your “single focus” now, should be finishing your undergraduate degree and then determine your next step with a degree in hand. You also need to bring your parents up to speed with your dilemma. They might be able to offer some valuable alternatives going forward. They are and will be your biggest supporter!

I find it hard to believe that OP is a junior and hasn’t gone on academic probation or hasn’t been dismissed from the institution. How were you allowed to take upper level classes when doing poorly in the prerequisites. Something doesn’t add up.

I’d look into a paralegal program at a community college, if you can handle that then revisit the law school plan.

Figure out what is going wrong.
Are you partying too much? Working too much? Too much sports?

Check this link for ideas to help
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/1920853-college-is-a-step-up-from-hs-16-tips-on-doing-well-in-college.html

Before you take time off make sure your scholarship is still valid.