Do I have a chance of getting accepted with a low gpa and average ACT?
I have a 2.7 GPA and a 20 ACT My mother moved around a lot after her divorce from my stepfather my freshamn year. We We were constantly in homeless shelters and I was constantly going to different high schools. It really took a toll on me emotionally. I’m a very smart girl and hard working, I hate myself for not focusing on school more and letting my home life effect my education. But my GPA really dropped Junior year. I was sexually abused by a teacher from my previous school Junior year.I was too ashamed and afraid to tell anyone and it really affected me. I lost hope and I became very depressed. I felt this way until two months ago when I finally had the courage to report what happened to me. I really want to go to this. I don’t want my past to define me, I’ve been through so much and I want a better future for myself. I will be a first- generation African American student.
Clubs: Student Council, Editor of School Newspaper, Key Club,
I wrote a good essay and I also listed my circumstances in my application. Do I have a chance at getting accepted? I put my major as Communications.
If you look at the Common Data Set the 25%ile for ACT is a 26. 99% of students were in the top 1/2 of their class. Fortunately you have another school you’ve been admitted to. Hopefully you can afford it. If not, look at starting at a CC with a connection to UIUC. Your college grades can overcome your HS info.
I’m sorry you’ve suffered so much! I have been homeless as well, but it made a great subject for my essay. If your essay is well-written, I think you have a chance. Good luck!
Don’t beat yourself up @MarieHolland. In a way, you have already won. How many kids who have gone through what you did would have even applied to colleges or been in a position to graduate high school? Getting into a school will not be your defining moment. Make the best of what is given to you, whether its at college or any other place after it. Persevere. I know 2 people who went through both the major things you did, both used their experiences as a springboard and are very successful. Sorry if I am sounding too “parent-y” but I would say this to my daughter too. Best of luck in everything. Stay strong.
You were very brave for reporting your teacher. Everyone here is giving you good advice. Please get into counseling. Do this for yourself. It will help. Keep moving forward just as you have done. Never give up because you have thrived and will continue to thrive. These things that happened to you do not define you. Your responses are who you are and so far it shows that you are valiant, strong and intelligent.
BTW, I work with someone who graduated from Univ of Iowa then went on to graduate school and this person is well respected in my workplace. This person moved to another state and loves their job. You can do anything after you graduate. Good luck.
@khanam Thanks for your response. What you have said has really encouraged me and opened up my eyes. I actually had a tear go down my face reading your response. I will not give up no matter what. I want to make a better life for myself. I am officially going to the University of Iowa and I will make the best of it!
@goingnutsmom Thanks for the encouragement. I’m officially going to the University of Iowa and I will make the best of it! It really did take a lot to report my teacher, I decided to do it so that I could move forward emotionally in life. I won’t give up, I can’t. I really want to make a better life for myself. I have struggled my whole life. But I won’t give up now.