I just ended the first semester of my junior year with a 2.3 GPA. I have C’s in every class except one, because I very rarely turn in my homework. I know that’s such a stupid thing to do, but I’ve been struggling with anxiety and depression and it’s been really difficult for me to complete my projects. I study, I understand what I’ve been taught in all of my classes, I’m really not stupid, but I just have not been able to keep up with school. It’s taken all of my energy to even show up to class.
I was homeschooled prior to this year and I’m still getting my transcript straightened out, so I have no official record of my grades in sophomore year, which makes this situation even worse.
I’m not in any sports or extracurriculars, either.
What could I possibly do at this point to get into a decent college? Is there any hope for me at all? If I’m able to get straight A’s in everything, join a sport, join a club, just work my ass off, is there any way I could make up for how terribly I’m doing now? Help me out, guys. I know that it’s not likely, but let’s just assume that I could be the absolute model student from this point on. Would it make any difference?
Colleges like to see improvement. If you are able to compensate in your low grades with high test scores, strong essays, or a strength in a hobby, that also looks good. If you’re planning on taking the AP exams, talk to your teacher about changing your first semester grades. Some teachers at my school will change grades to As if a 4 or 5 is scored on the exam because it shows mastery of the subject. You can also try retaking courses over the summer at community college. I think the most important thing for you to do is to try your hardest at the moment and make sure your grades don’t slip up again
Turn in your homework; that’s half of your grade right there. Teachers don’t like having to grade homework, but they do because they want to see what you can do independently.
If you’re dealing with depression and anxiety, go get help. Don’t use it as a crutch if you don’t plan on getting help.
Turn in your homework. Make it your first goal - do homework and turn it in. Every. Day.
Not as easy as it sounds if it’s the first time you’ve been enrolled in school.
Aim for a B in each AP class.
Get help for depression and anxiety. Make it a priority.
Prepare the sat on Khan Academy and check out the act in case you do better on it.
The higher your test scores, the easier it’ll be for you to get into a four-year college.
First of all, you NEED to seek help for your anxiety and depression. Please take care of yourself
Stay organized with schoolwork, DON’T procrastinate, and do all of your homework as it’s assigned. Getting straight A’s isn’t necessarily realistic, so just do your best from day to day.
Joining new extracurriculars would be a good idea. Since you won’t be able to become extremely accomplished or get to a leadership position in clubs at this point, I would recommend also doing lots of community service. Make plans for the summer; either a job, volunteering, or a summer program will look good to colleges.
AND, study for the SAT. Get the big blue SAT prep book from CollegeBoard and read through it and do the practice tests.
How long have you been depressed/anxious? Do your parents understand your problem, or did they send you to school thinking that would “fix your attitude”? If you need help finding help, you can talk to the school counselor or to a teen crisis text line (text “go” to 741741).
Let me start by saying this - Yes, you do have hope. It’s a good thing you’re taking action to find a solution for your current situation. Colleges like to see the whole picture. Study for the SAT or ACT, and focus on getting good grades this semester. Get counseling and treatment for your depression/anxiety. Find a good support system at school, whether it’s friends, teachers, or other school staff members. Do you have anybody to talk to about your depression/anxiety?
Start getting in the habit of turning in your homework on time. Be motivated. Find help from teachers or classmates if you don’t understand the material/subject. Do everything and anything you can to do well this semester and make it the best you can. Take summer school classes for acceleration if your school offers them. If not, contact your local CC and ask about dual enrollment. In my local CC, they provide free tuition for high school students wanting to take college classes for credit. Good luck!
