I did bad freshman year of HS, can I still get into a decent college?

Applying to College
1

Freshman year I slacked and didn’t care much for school, ended up finishing the year with a 2.4 unweighted GPA and a 2.6 weighted GPA.

My Sophomore year for the first semester I began caring a bit more but I wasn’t fully away from my freshman way of thinking, however once second semester began I started turning things around and got 3 A’s and a B for the semester, including my first AP Class A. I finished my Sophomore year up with a 2.75 unweighted GPA and a 3.125 weighted GPA.

I am currently a Junior and my first semester is about to end, I currently have 2 A’s and 2 B’s. My unweighted GPA by the end of this semester will be a 2.9 and my weighted GPA will be a 3.45. With the classes I am currently signed up for next semester I am hoping to achieve a 3.08 unweighted GPA and a 3.75 weighted GPA by the end of my Junior Year.

I know that the SAT/ACT also play a big role when it comes to college and I have been studying for the ACT which I will be taking in March, hopefully I will do well on that.

I am afraid that my freshman year grades will end up getting me rejected from the colleges that I want to attend, which are either ECU, Meredith, UNCW, or NCSU. I am aware that its highly unlikely that I’ll get into NCSU.

I am in a few EC’s including Key Club, TSA, FCCLA, etc.

Do you guys think colleges will take into consideration that my bad grades were from freshman year and that I have an upward trend in my grades?

2

Yes, you can still go to a decent college. Having a strong upward trend in grades is a good thing. It shows you are working hard and taking school more seriously as you’ve matured. I don’t think your freshman year grades will get you rejected, as long as you continue to do well junior year and first semester senior year. Also good luck on your ACT test! That can make a huge difference.

Do you live in North Carolina? If so, you’ll have priority for being accepted to in-state public schools.