<p>Bottom line for some reason high school hasn't been to easy. I have had many problems in the past (with family) but I make it work. After 5 semesters I have a 3.38 weighted gpa. THAT SUCKS, well kinda. I had a 3.3 both semesters of freshman year then I hit rock bottom during the beginning of sophmore year with a 3.1 gpa. Ever since I have had a 3.6 gpa and last semester my unweighted was 3.4. I got my act back and got a 25, gonna probably retake it in april. The thing is i haven't done jack shit in hs. I did chorus for two years and football for one, THATS IT. I feel like i've screwed up bigtime while everyone I know has like a 4.1 with 7 clubs under their belt. The weight of the world is getting to me but I know i'm meant for better things. I know my undergrad isn't as important for where i get my masters but community college doesn't suit well for me. I got to the 3rd best school in my state, so idk if that helps. Just please, i need some answers. I really don't care if you are harsh, just give it to me straight.</p>
<p>It’s too late to beat yourself up over the grades you have. You have “average” grades. If you got into the third best school in the state, go there. If you boost your grades you can always transfer. If you are going on to graduate school you will appreciate saving money on your undergraduate degree. As an adult I knew plenty of people with bad high school records who went on to graduate school and satisfying careers. What state do you live in? I live in VA so third best is pretty good!</p>
<p>You’re a junior with a solid but not extraordinary GPA. The fact you haven’t worked for that GPA will NOT be seen in your favor so don’t use it as an “excuse”.
If your high-school is high-performing your GPA will be seen in context and that’ll help you.
A good set of colleges for students in your situation (who have been underperforming but have tried to change their ways, have gotten a solid GPA and decent ACT scores) are Colleges that Change Lives:
<a href=“http://www.ctcl.org”>www.ctcl.org</a>
They have safeties, matches, and reaches for you.</p>
<p>If you can bump to 26-27 on the ACT you have a lot of decent choices, many of which would likely offer some financial aid: your in-state flagship, honors program at a public directional, national LACs ranked 75-125, regional universities ranked 8-20, all regional LACs.</p>
<p>Run the Net price calculators on each type of college, then show the results to your parents. (Remember to look at costs BEFORE loans.) Talk with them to see how much they’d be willing or are able to afford for your education. Then come back here with more details.</p>
<p>Note:
If your high school is high-performing and you raise your grades (realize that your junior grades are the most important ones), plus get 27-28 on the ACT, you can look into all regional universities, national LACs ranked 50+, national universities ranked 35+.</p>
<p>GPA is not bad, it is just not competitive for the types of schools many on this type of forum are looking to attend. Most state flagship schools would accept you with that type of score (though there are many exceptions). The thing is, your test scores are consistent with your GPA. What do you consider a ‘Good’ school. There are many, many very good programs that simply do not have the name recognition, but are fine institutions. Your scores could get you in, but do not expect any help via scholarship.</p>