I’m currently a sophomore in high school with a 3.2 cumulative gpa. Last year, I got all As and Bs in honors classes, as well as being in a regional agricultural program (which I had to apply to) within my school. This year, I’m taking honors classes besides math and chemistry, but I’m not doing so great in any class besides chemistry. Right now, it seems that all of my end-of-the-year grades would be Bs…this year has been especially rough because my mom passed right before I got into high school, but the depression and anxiety just seems to be hitting me and I can’t focus on my studies, no matter how hard I try. I even got a D for one of my marks last quarter…that never ever happened before! I used to be a stellar student, and now I’m just average. I don’t mean to sound uptight, but I’m nervous. I don’t want to get into Harvard (although that’d be nice), but I do want to get into a top 100 school if I can. I want to go into veterinary medicine or business/marketing.
Anyways, I have one semester of this year left and then my junior semesters, so how could I raise my gpa to a superior quality before then?
You need to see a psychologist for your depression and attend tutorials/office hours with teachers for academic help. Talk to your father and/or your guidance counselor so they can help you sort this out. You can do it, its not too late. You’ll be fine.
Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture combo can be awesome. You’ll be close to nature and it’s easier to get jobs with professional skills, compared to stressful world of business/marketing. If you do want to go that route someday, you can always get an MBA.
yes…I’m well aware of what I need to do in terms of my health. I’m already working on getting my drive back in terms of my happiness (because God knows I was the happiest little thing in the world a few months ago, but then something just happened).
I’ve made an appointment with my school counselor for this coming week to schedule classes as well as talk about who she recommends I go so in our school health-center. Thank you
First of all, I’m sorry for your loss. I’ve been in a very similar situation personally as well. Do you have a good support system? Do you have a best friend you can talk to? I’m currently a senior in high school and the biggest advice I can tell you right now is to make up for that D you got. Does your school offer summer classes for remediating the D? Can you take that course during your junior year? I suggest you take some summer school classes for acceleration if your school allows you to, whether it’s online or in person. If not, try going to your local CC and ask them about dual enrollment. In my local CC, they offer free courses for high school students. This calculates into your GPA later on when you apply for college, so this can be a big help. Involve yourself in clubs and volunteer activities for junior year. Plan your junior schedule out thoroughly but wisely so that you can show colleges that your grades had an upward trend. Don’t take more rigorous courses than you can handle. Good luck!
I’m going to see if I can retake the class (its algebra 2, just regular, though. So I’ll see if I can take it honors instead) but I’m going away from July to the end of August so I’d have to see if I can retake it at a community college or take it for the first few weeks of June. The D isn’t on my end of the year mark, just a quarter one, but I’m pretty sure my high school sends those grades to colleges as well. I’m going to take at least 2 APs next year to boost my gpa (ones I’m interested in though haha)
Are there any specific colleges you’ve looked into? Where do you want to apply? Some colleges such as the UC’s are strict about course repetition. If you took regular Algebra 2, make sure you take the same regular class to make up the D instead of Honors, or they won’t accept the retake because of the course rigor difference. (More info on this on the UC website) If the D isn’t on your final grade (the one that shows on your transcript), you’re fine. Colleges only see final grades from your transcript, not progress reports.
No it’s not my final grade for the entire year, just the marking periods (sent home on the report cards every 2-3 months). I’m really interest in Syracuse (my mom went there and loved it), Colorado State, Arizona State, William and Mary, UNC- Chapel Hill (that’s a total stretch, but it’s definitely the sort of school I’d love to attend). Location is a big factor. Not because I’d love to stay close, because that’s not the case really. As long as I love it and feel safe and “at home” in my own little way, then that’s what matters. I got an invitation to visit the American College in Rome because I will be in Italy all summer with my grandmother, and I may even consider that since I really want to travel while I’m still young.
The report card grades don’t count at all. Progress reports are just for follow-ups to see how you’re doing in the actual class. In this case, you won’t have to retake Algebra. Focus on your classes this semester and make sure you do well and get a grade of C or better. My friend recently got in Syracuse this year, and she didn’t have exceptional grades. Follow your interests and passion. Look at the freshman requirements for those colleges you stated, and see if you’re on the right path. If not, talk to your guidance counselor. Congratulations on your invitation. 
Have fun in Italy, and good luck. Remember you still have 2 more years of high school. Make it the best you can.