<p>I am a sophomore and I have been a great student for all of my academic career, with at least a 93.5 overall GPA last year. This year, I started off on par, but after I was impacted by depression in the second quarter, my grades dropped to high-80s. Since then, my anxiety has gotten out of control and I fear that my future is ruined because I haven't averaged 90 since first quarter. I now have a grade in the 60s in French and a 40 in English because I was too anxious to ask me teacher about our projects and didn't complete them.</p>
<p>Now I have almost stopped doing any work outside of class because I fear I have no opportunity to be accepted to a good college with these terrible statistics.</p>
<p>My purpose is not to gain sympathy. I am wondering if, even with a fantastic finish to my high school career, it is impossible to get into any great college.</p>
<p>Yes, you could get into a great college. Have you sought treatment? You need to deal with this the sooner the better. Have you spoken to your parents?</p>
<p>I have seen a psychologist twice since the end of April.</p>
<p>Hopefully, you will learn some strategies to help reduce the anxiety and you will be able to get back on track with your school work etc. How about a tutor at this time?</p>
<p>I think you can, but it is going to take some work. Can you get your parents to vouch for you about your depression and anxiety. They can probably explain the situation to your counselor who can explain it your teachers. The counselor can also explain the situatuion to colleges when the time comes. You may be able to take classes at a community college for the ones you did bad. Colleges love to see a upward trend so if you get good grades junior and senior year you will be fine.</p>
<p>I haven’t struggled with learning the topics whatsoever. It’s that I have been too depressed and/or anxious to focus outside of school.</p>
<p>Then working with the psychologist should help. You have to change your way of thinking. Talk to him/her about this.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. </p>
<p>Winterdays, if my counselor talks to college admissions officers, could she legitimately explain the situation I had this year and they would take note of it?</p>
<p>This advice is no substitute for professional help, but as a mom and teacher if you were one of “my kids,” I would encourage you to get involved in regular physical exercise, get sunshine every single day especially early in the day, smile at people, and learn to carefully control what you are allowing your mind to focus on. </p>
<p>Here’s another thing to try. When it seems like there is no way for things to work out, say to yourself, “Well, I am going to college one way or another, so I just need to find the way to do it.” Don’t ask if it’s possible. Assume it is possible and embark on a quest to find and implement the ways to make it happen. </p>
<p>That is not to say that you should be in denial. You are not. You have acknowledged the challenge. Now, don’t accept defeat. You CAN go to college. Will you go to Harvard straight out of high school? Maybe not. But, MOST people won’t. </p>
<p>Don’t worry about the past. Set your goals for your future and write down what you have to do to reach them. Then, do those things one at a time. Forget the past. You are not the first student to experience this sort of thing, and you won’t be the first to recover. </p>
<p>Take care of yourself and take care of your health. You have a future that is far greater than you can even imagine right now. One step at a time. I promise. One step at a time and you can do it.</p>
<p>Absolutely. Just make sure you explain all the facts and tell them you are better or getting there. I would also focus on standarized tests to show you strengths and make your essays and recommendations shine. Get the help you need, but realize this bump in the road won’t hurt your college dreams. Another tip is to look around this site for additional advice since many students have been in this situations and have gone to great schools.</p>
<p>Thank you very much. I have always done very well on standardized tests, so those should help. Also, thank you Journier that was very motivational.</p>