I blew it. In need of some advice.

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>First of all, thank you for taking the time to read this. Seriously, I really appreciate it. I honestly have no idea what the best way to handle this situation is.</p>

<p>Honestly, freshman year I really didn't care about school. I ended up with C's in math and physics. At the end of that year, I had a D in math and I realized that I might not pass, so I devoted the next several weeks to working really hard, and I ended up with a C in the class. This was the first time I began actually caring about school work.</p>

<p>Since then, I've worked really hard in all my classes, and my grades have continued to rise.... until this year. I'm taking 3 APs, foreign language level 5, psychology, and pre calc. This is the most challenging course load I've ever had, and I seemed to be handling it pretty well until finals. When finals came around, I didn't do so well, especially in math. In fact, I flat out failed my math final worth 20% of my grade. Literally, I got an F. My grade dropped to a C. </p>

<p>So now, here I am. 4 A's, a B+ (in AP Gov), and a C my 1st semester senior year. I've applied to a lot of semi competitive colleges, and few more competitive colleges and was hoping I stood a chance with my increasing grades even though my freshman year was a disaster. I wrote strong essays and even wrote an additional essay about how I've learned the importance of school, but with this C, I feel like everything I've been working so hard for is gone. I've been deferred from several schools, so these grades are really important. My top choice is LMU (I was deferred EA) , but I feel like because this is their most competitive year in school history, with these grades I don't even stand a chance. So, what now? What are my options? Do I try to drop the class and pretend I didn't take a math this year? Do I take a year off from school and attend community college and try to transfer? Perhaps I should write a letter to colleges explaining the scenario? or do I just do nothing and hope it works out?</p>

<p>Here are my grades/ info:
9th grade GPA : 2.9
10th grade GPA: 3.6
11th grade GPA : 4.0
12th grade GPA: 3.9</p>

<p>Cumulative GPA 9-12 : 3.5
Cumulative GPA 10-12: 3.8</p>

<p>SAT: 1850</p>

2

<p>Many people in your shoes would consider going to a community college ,beefing up those grades ,and then transferring to a 4 year school.Competition to the top tier schools is only going to get harder, and a community college would build your confidence as well .Good luck!</p>

3

<p>your grades/scores are good enough for dozens (if not hundreds) colleges and universities around the country. maybe it’s time to cast a wider net as well as apply to more ‘reaches.’</p>

4

<p>Katliamom is right, your stats are fine for many schools. Are you a California resident? Some of the CSUs might be good options.</p>

5

<p>I agree with katliamom and jingle. I don’t think you “messed up.” You still have a good shot at a lot of good colleges.</p>

6

<p>Thank you for your help. Yes, I am a California resident, and I applied to some CSUs in the fall as a back up. However, I didn’t really like the idea of attending since they are being hit pretty hard by the budget cuts. I have several friends at San Jose State, Long Beach State, and San Diego State who are struggling to get the classes they need, but if I need to I have that option. As far as the class goes on my transcript, should I Just leave it or try to drop it? And what do I do about LMU and the other private schools I’ve applied to?</p>

7

<p>Also, is a C in pre calc first semester senior year really a “kiss of death” for schools such as LMU and Chapman? I understand that any chance I had at my reach school is gone, but what about these schools?</p>

8

<p>fauxmaven- youre an idiot. colleges would gladly accept that sure t wont be harvard but def solid universities. i hate people like you, shattering kids dreams because you think youre better.</p>

9

<p>fauxmaven…Who do you think you are ?? Your response is a low blow. The OP scores will easily qualify for acceptance to a wide variety of schools. OP my advice and experience is for you to apply to schools that match or slightly exceed your academic profile. If you research and apply to these match schools you will have many solid choices. I would also bet that some of these schools would offer some merit aid to boot. </p>

<p>I had similar qualifications, very little financial support from great parents, attended a mid-teir school, recieved a great education, own two very succesful companies, and have a loving wife and family. </p>

<p>Never listen to people like fauxmaven, negative advice serves no purpose. Find something you have a passion for, work hard, stay positive, and treat people with respect. Simple formula that will make anybody’s life better.</p>