<p>Hi, I'm new to this and was wondering if someone could give me advice. I'm a high school junior and all throughout school I've had trouble turning in homework assignments. In December I was diagnosed with ADHD, and my GPA is now improving. I have taken the PSAT and I ranked in the top 90 percentile. Test scores and class exams have never been a problem for me because i love to learn, but unfortunately because of incomplete assignments my grades do not reflect the potential i hope that i have. I play three sports at my school, and one for our local recreation department, I also participate in a Fine Arts competition held by our school's accreditors. I work at my family's restaurant, and according to our income we are below middle class. I think that including this kind of information is beneficial when applying for scholarships, am I right? Anyway, my basic question is, will I be eligible for scholarships if my GPA was 2.75 freshman and sophmore year, and then improved the last year and a half of my high school career?
Love to hear your thoughts!,
Alustine</p>
<p>P.S. every teacher i have professes my ability to be a 4.0 student...i'm just not there yet.</p>
<p>Many merit scholarships are based on both test scores (SAT/ACT) along with GPA. The college wants both, not one or the other. I'd like you to think about this question. Do you think it is fair to give a scholarship to someone who is capable yet did not earn a high GPA? Wouldn't it make more sense to give the merit scholarship to someone who is not only capable but has proven their commitment and abilities in the classroom by completing the work and earning a strong GPA?</p>
<p>You are capable but being capable is not the same as actually accomplishing the task. Please do not use your ADD as an excuse for not doing assignments and handing them in on time. If you can find the time and focus to participate in 3 sports, there is no excuse for not completing homework and classroom assignments.</p>
<p>Do the work and earn the grades. Check out specific college websites for their Merit Scholarship criteria. Often times, the website will state the SAT/ACT Score and GPA cutoffs needed to qualify for various merit scholarships.</p>
<p>Your HS GPA as of the end of your Junior year is what the colleges will use when reviewing your application.</p>
<p>hey yea man my gpa is around the same area as yours and i received a 1930 on sat's.... as long as you do good in junior year and get a higher gpa you should be fine. Junior year is what colleges look at as the most important</p>
<p>"do not use your ADD as an excuse for not doing assignments"
I'm not at all offended by this statement. I usually avoid telling people, for the very reason that I DO NOT want it to be an excuse! Sorry if i sound defensive, but I was only informed a month ago that I even had any problems (& I'm 17!). We are taking steps that will help improve my focus, and as of now everything has been completed on time. I absolutely agree that if you don't work for the grades in high school, who's to say that you will in college? I'm not here for sympathy or motivation, I just want to know if I have options.
And thanks for replying!</p>
<p>Alustine - There is a whole forum devoted to LD issues. You can find it by clicking on "Discussion Home" in the upper left of this screen and then scrolling down. Lots and lots of people are in your position. Take advantage of everything that your HS can offer you that will help you learn to manage your time and keep your focus, and you will be fine.</p>
<p>As for scholarships that are more dependent on SAT or ACT scores than on GPA, you may want to search for the threads on full-ride scholarships started by momfromtexas. She has great pointers for the scholarship search in general.</p>
<p>You'll notice that most require a minimum SAT/ACT score ALONG WITH a specific GPA requirement. The reality is that the SAT/ACT score is what will flag your application for review of scholarships. Once it's flagged, then they go back and check to see if your GPA fits their criteria. Both test scores and GPA must meet their minimum standards for merit scholarships. </p>
<p>Alustine, you do have options. Check with your guidance office to see if you qualify for any of the local scholarships.</p>