Hello folks. I’m currently a high-school student going into my Junior year. I’ve made a number of mistakes throughout my current high-school experience and I’d like some insight as to what my options are. Due to a lack of caring and laziness, I did poorly in Freshman year (below 2.0 to low 2.0), and although I did better Sophomore year, my overall GPA is still only a high 2.x. I was a troublemaker Freshman year and a few things are listed on my record; a suspension and a few other things that could be considered severe. I’ve wanted to do something involved with Law for awhile, but I’m feeling very discouraged at my performance, both academically and relating to my disciplinary record. Obviously, I’ve gained perspective since then and am hoping to change everything around. I plan to raise my GPA up this year and Senior year so I can hopefully skip Community College and go straight to a University (Then get a good GPA in college, and transfer to a Law School). My next question is, where do I go from here, and are my chances and future ruined? Is there anything else I can do other than work hard to get into CSULB? What minimum GPA is needed to get accepted? And does my disciplinary record hinder my chances as well (Maybe I can see about getting them erased)? I need some insight from anyone who has been in this situation (or anyone in general, for that matter), so thanks in advance.
Bump, any advice guys?
CSULB uses an eligibility index (along with most CSU’s) to rank applicants for each major. You need to calculate your CSU GPA (10-11th a-g course grades) using the CSU GPA calculator:
https://secure.csumentor.edu/planning/high_school/gpa_calculator.asp
Once you have the CSU GPA, then you need either your ACT composite score or SAT (Math + Critical Reading score) to calculate your EI.
(CSU X800) + (SAT M+CR) or (CSU GPA x200) + (ACT comp x10)
An SAT EI of 3900+ is competitive for CSULB and an ACT EI of 900+ is competitive.
Senior grades are not considered for CSU admissions, so doing well Senior year will maintain your provisional admission but not help your chances to be admitted.
Not knowing what your GPA and SAT scores are at the moment, but based on your posted information, CSULB is out of reach. Luckily for you, there are many other CSU campuses that may be good options. I would look at the non-impacted campuses such as Monterey Bay, Channel Islands, Stanislaus, East Bay, San Marcos to name a few.
CSU application does ask about disciplinary actions, so depending upon the severity, it could impact your chances. I would check with your counselor in regards to your questions.
Good Luck and glad you could turn things around.
BTW: There is nothing wrong in attending a CCC for a few years. Basically, you can wipe your academic slate clean and start over, transfer to a school of choice if you do well and continue with your future aspirations. Think of a CCC as a slight detour.
Non-impacted schools have an index floor (from the formula above) of 2900 SAT and 694 ACT. So, if you have a 2.4 CSU GPA and 1000/1600 SAT or 22 ACT you’ll get in - as long as you’ve completed the required classes with a C or better. Most schools have the same threshold for ‘local’ applicants. Some schools like Sac State are just a little more selective while CSULB wants much higher EI. SJSU is all over the map. There are some programs with a 2900 floor and others above 4000.
http://info.sjsu.edu/web-dbgen/narr/static/admission/frosh-f2015impact.html
You still have time to score high enough on the SAT/ACT to change your fate.
If your Eligibility Index is below the threshold or you have a D in a required class and haven’t re-taken it, a CC is your only path to a 4 year degree. Honestly, it may be your best path either way. They are cheap, will allow you to take any make-up math/english/science, develop study habits and a transfer plan - and re-set your academic record. Your HS academic record will be completely behind you.
Law school admission at most schools is all about GPA and LSAT. Attending a CC will not hamper your ability to get into a good law school. Go to a school where you are confident you can excel.
Congrats on your turnaround so far. Keep at it, you have a long way to go.
@SevenNations Assuming you’re local, I think if you can turn things around this year and bring your gpa up to maybe a 3.2 and get an SAT of maybe 1800 or above, you will get into csulb no problem. Just don’t let yourself slack off this year and give yourself at least 4 months to study for your SAT and hopefully you will find this to be fairly manageable. Good luck
@Dpatt Senior grades won’t (positively) impact his chanced of admission. CSU LB looks only at the Eligibility Index to evaluate applicants. As a Senior, only improved test scores can help.
@NCalRent Yes, I understand that, but didn’t he say that he’s going into his junior year?
Sorry @dpatt you are correct, I misunderstood. next year is critical.