I’m the proud mom of an exceptionally talented writer, who has done very prestigious internships, worked with famous world leaders, has written award winning articles and has been honored with international recognition. He attends an academically challenging top ranked private prep school. He has struggled academically for the past 2 years and currently has a 3.0 GPA. He suffered from anxiety but it turns out that he actually has ADHD and just got diagnosed. His grades have already started to improve. He is a junior and wants to study International Relations. He worries that his GPA won’t be good enough to get him into a good school. I’m sure he could get excellent recommendations and write a great essay. Where would you suggest that he apply? What are his chances at GW, UVA, American? Does he have any chances at Georgetown or Columbia, if he can show improvement after his ADHD diagnosis and given his outstanding extra-curricular activities?
He is taking Honors language IV, has taken 2 AP classes and has shown tremendous leadership in school clubs and activites.
Two of the most important attributes considered for admission are GPA and scores (along with class rigor). Be assured he WILL get into a good school. He/you may just have to adjust expectations as to what that appropriate set of schools is. Talk to the GCs at your top ranked prep school. You are paying some good money for their help.
You may find it helpful to use the SuperMatch search tool on the left side of the page to generate a list of college options. He is a junior now-are you planning on visiting colleges during spring break? You will want to check with your high school’s college counselor to make sure that you are choosing realistic options.
Do you want him to be in a college where he will find it difficult to keep up? If he is struggling academically at his prep school, why would you want him to be in over his head at college? Unless he receives treatment for his ADHD that changes his ability to perform, I would recommend that you advise him to look at colleges that would be a good fit for him academically. I’m sure he is a wonderful young man and he will have a great future even if he doesn’t go to a top rated school.