Im a Southern California high school student and I have a gpa of 2.8-3.0ish (yikes). i just got my ACT results back as a 25 BUT im retaking the test in September and im aiming for a 29/30, with lots of studying im fairly confident i can do it. I am applying for most CSUs next fall and a few out of state schools.
I know, my GPA is terrible and basically labels me as stupid or lazy. However, i have some reason for this. When i was a sophomore i was dealing with a lot of problems at home such as my brother becoming a heroin addict which tore our family apart and caused a lot of emotional stress on top of our financial stress. I fell into depression and stopped trying in school which was fairly easy for me do since my courses (AP european civilization, chemistry, honors humanities, and math i could hardly understand) were challenging enough for me even if i tried.
I got Ds in math and chemistry and Bs and C’s in everything else. This brought my GPA down a lot. This year as a junior ive learned to cope and i also have learned the methods that work for me when i study. I have gotten mainly As and Bs this year with one C. I also took AP art history. I want to tell the admissions people at the schools im applying to the reason behind my poor GPA. I heard that theres no place on the applications to explain my grades so i was going to email them instead. Is this a bad idea?
Will any of the CSUs accept me? If so, what schools? Are there any other schools that would accept me other than the CSUs?
Sorry this is long im just really concerned.
Humboldt has a 80% acceptance rate. I know various students who didnt do so well in some classes 10/11th grade and managed to get it. You should be fine as long as you pick up your score. Good luck
The CSUs all use a simple formula to rank applicants with an Eligibility Index. There really is no place on your application to explain anything. You can read all about it here:
https://secure.csumentor.edu/planning/high_school/elig_index_calculator.asp
You have to complete the CSU a-g course list with a C or better. Look here - adjust your Sr schedule if necessary to be sure you complete them all. You can re-take courses you got D or F in, and that re-sets the grade - providing a big bump to your GPA.
https://secure.csumentor.edu/planning/high_school/subjects.asp
Also - CSUs (and UCs) only look at your grades tor grades 10-11 and only a-g courses. Use this tool to calculate your CSU GPA.
http://rogerhub.com/gpa-calculator-uc/
Assuming you complete your required courses, your CSU GPA is 2.8-3.0 and you stick with a 25 on your ACT, there are lots of CSUs open to you. In SoCal, Channel Island, CSULA, San Bernardino, to name a few. You will also be qualified for your local CSU. In NoCal, Monterrey and probably Humboldt and Sac - among others.
The resilience and resolve you displayed overcoming some very challenging times suggest to me, you’ll do well wherever you go.
Good luck.
Thank you! Yeah, I didn’t do well in Chem so I’m making up for that credit loss in senior year!! I also got a D in geometry 2 but I have taken many math courses since. My eligibility is like an 870-890 so hopefully I will be okay
Like @NCalRent stated, there are many CSU’s that you would have a good chance for an acceptance. Raising the ACT a little more may open up more school opportunities, but GPA will be still be a determing factor for many schools. Just remember, that even with an acceptance in hand, you are a provisional admit and need to keep your Senior grades at a C or better. Good Luck.
http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/files/csu-uc-a-g-comparison-matrix.pdf
Is a provisional admit different that normal admission?? I know already that if I do poorly senior year it will ruin my chances to go to my college but is it only for people like me with an already poor GPA?
No. All college admissions are provisional. Some schools are more restrictive than others but mainly you need to get a C or better in all a-g courses and no D’s or F’s Senior year.