I am a junior in high school, and my current weighted is a 3.5-really not what I was hoping for. I had one really bad class last semester(C-) along with A’s and B’s, which completely ruined my GPA. Depending on how I do this semester, it COULD go up to a 3.6… slightly unlikely. I am thinking about taking summer school in order to raise my GPA up. I need a 3.6, or maybe even a 3.7 before I apply for any slightly more competitive schools (I’m taking the UC’s, NYU, etc.) Would taking summer classes in hopes of improving my GPA a negative to colleges? Over the summer I will mainly be taking more elective courses such as PE, creative writing, a few online classes like history, just so I will be sure to receive A’s in the classes. My high school schedule has been rigorous so far, along with balancing a large number of EC’s and volunteer hours. How do you think colleges would react to seeing maybe 5 or so summer classes right before college applications? A 3.6 would be my absolute minimum goal for my high school GPA.
Summer school does not look bad, not at all. In fact, top students who strive for the more prestigious schools take summer courses to get the basic curriculums out of the way and make room for the more challenging ones. Just make sure you do stick to the rigorous classes in the following fall semester. By taking summer classes on your own, you’re showing college admissions that you’re motivated to get ahead of the game during vacation rather than staying home and play video games (like most people). Don’t worry, you’re on the right track! Just don’t stress yourself too much in the next semester ^-^
You’ll be fine- taking summer classes to improve GPA is always a good thing.