I am going to the 11th grade when this summer is over and I’m worried about my future. My 9th and 10 grade years in school were not good grade wise and attendance wise. In 9th grade I skipped a lot and ended the school year with like a C maybe C+ average. In 10th grade I never missed school but just sucked in general and ended with another C+ average.
I know this is nothing but my own fault I’m just wondering (factually) is it worth trying to do better. If I can at least average a B in my 11 and 12 grade years (gonna try to get A’s but just looking at worst case scenario) and do good on SAT/ ACT do you think I have a chance of getting into an OK college?
I want to study engineering or physics because these are the only two thing that interest me and I could see me doing for the rest of my life.
Yes I’m good at algebra and I love almost all branches of science from biology to genetics to gastronomy. I’m not the best at geometry though. As for what I consider an OK college I don’t really know. When I think of an OK college I think of a college that everyone else thinks is an OK college… if that makes any sense.
Best of luck to you on your upward journey. You have lots of ground to make up if you truly want to go into engineering or physics – don’t be deterred. Many “late bloomers” do exceedingly well.
Your first concern is to get to speed on the highest levels of math you can get before you graduate. “good at algebra” isn’t good for a rising Junior interested in Engr or Physics. My entering ninth grader was a A student in Algebra in eighth grade.
“not my best in geometry” means you got a C or worse, I’m presuming. That’s a bad indicator – I’ll be blunt. People bad in geometry are very bad in physics. Can you do some self studying to beef up your geometry weakness? This is extremely tough b/c you’re not getting any grades. But possessing an extreme ease at geometry and spatial concepts is BEYOND essential for engineering and physics.
Most successful engineering students will have gotten top grades in math including Calculus by the time they enter college. At bare minimum, you need to take pre-calc as a Senior or plan to take some time off and knock out pre-calc or calc at the local community college.
Doing excellent in Physics and Chemistry are also essential. What level math and science classes are on your schedule next semester?
You pretty much nailed it. I got a C in geometry. I got an A in algebra and a B in chemistry. I’ll do everything you said and I have no idea what math is on my schedule next year. We haven’t gotten them yet.
There’s no way to get around the reality that being poor-mediocre in HS geometry = no future in engineering or physics.
If this truly is a dream of yours, can you get some tutoring in the remaining weeks this summer to regain what you missed in Geometry? I’m not trying to be facetious. I see no way of getting around this.
Otherwise, it’s like saying you want to play in the NBA but you’re 4’8", can’t dribble and can’t shoot.
If you can improve your grades to As and Bs and do well on the SAT/ACT you’ll have a good shot at ok school (meaning less selective private and state schools). If you really come around and manage all As and great test scores you have some chance at the more selective schools and an outside (though poor) chance at the most selective ones.
Unless, of course you have some sort of hook (underrepresented minority, parents bought the college a new building, recruited athlete) in which case your chances are better.
@Troyus You’re putting the cart before the horse. If the OP get’s all As in his remaining three semesters, the best he can hope for is an UW 2.86 GPA – that’s below a B average. Your discussion of “the most selective ones” isn’t even viable at all.
I’m trying to give the OP some concrete strategies to break his C average cycle of study habits, motivation and performance.
T26E4 I understand what you mean lol. I know I definitely need to do better in geometry. I don’t think I can afford tutoring though. Maybe I can take some classes at community college?
I think starting in a CC and transferring is definitely a viable option, but don’t give up on a 4 year! If you really raise your GPA and get solid test scores you could definitely get into a 4 year based on your upward trend. Look into your non-flagship state schools. However, you mention that you can definitely raise your grades to B’s this year… that is a very big jump from a C+ average. You will need a concrete plan to do this (maybe work with a guidance counselor at your school?) Either way, focus on raising your grades and studying for the SAT/ACT, and the college will come
@T26E4 You are probably right that i overrated the chances at the most selective schools. Admissions officers looks much more favorably on a 2.86 GPA that started poorly and ended strong than on someone with a consistent 2.86 but I would agree that without a hook the chances of getting into a top 50 school is essentially 0.