I am reaching out to all who are willing to help someone!
I am nervous about my future as a high school student and as a college student. I was forced to go to a private high school I did not want to go to, went through depression, and had a terrible freshman year. My weighted Gpa is 3.3 and that is in two honors classes. I want to make a difference in the world and believe I am smart enough to get A’s in the highest classes for the rest of high school. I am really good at sports, I don’t know if that will help. Can anyone tell me if I really have a chance of getting into top colleges still? I love learning in every subject, but pride myself in understanding complex and confusing information in the world of science.
Also, would moving back to my town high school lessen my chances of reaching my goal? I believe I could come up with good ideas to help people in need in the community in my home town, along with having more time to balance studies and sports.
There are something like 3,000 colleges in the US. And kids from every single one of them are making a real difference in the world.
No one here can tell you what you’re capable of. But I will tell you that there’s far more to life than “top colleges.”
I am concerned about your depression. Have you seen someone? It’s one of those things that can do a real job on people.
As to attending your home town school: what do your parents say? The fact that you were “forced” to attend private school may not bode well in that case.
Thanks for your consideration, I am not depressed at all anymore. My parents and I talked a lot and they support me and know that I can succeed whether I go back or not. I understand what you mean about not needing to go to a “top college” to make a real difference.
I’m guessing that you just finished your freshman year?
What I can suggest, as a mom and a high school teacher, is this:
Take the courses you’re interested in, at the hardest level your guidance counselor thinks appropriate.
GET INVOLVED in your school. Find those activities that will make a difference. High school is where it starts-- there are so many things you can do to make the world a better place. Don’t worry about the difference an activity will make on your resume, worry about the difference it will make in the world.
Start to learn what you like and don’t in terms of academics and free time. Are you a people person? Do you love animials? Does your work in science classes make you think that you want to work in a lab?
You don’t need any answers yet, just start noticing what you’re drawn to.
Also keep in mind that even if you didn’t do as well as you like freshman year, that colleges like an "upward trend’. If the see you doing better in classes as those classes get harder, they liek that very much! It shows that you are ready for college.