So I moved to a new city over the summer and had a hard time adjusting. On top of that, I got into a program that has required me to complete all my classes online. In the end, I couldn’t get out of that program and had a hard time keeping my grades up. (It was my first time in an online class) For the first semester, I ended up with:
A-Spanish
B-Honors English
B-Physical Education
B-Algebra 2
C-Honors Biology
C- AP Human Geography(It might be a D because I got a 69.98 and I’m not sure if my teacher will round it up)
I’m Asian so my parents really obsess over my grades, so obviously my grades this semester was a disappointment. I was a straight A or straight A and one B student in my previous years. Also, I go to a high school with pretty tough competition and I plan on getting straight A’s for the rest of my high school career. For ECs, I play the gayageum(a traditional Korean instrument and I’m in the enviromental club.) I plan on joining debate and/or the student council next year. I have severe scoliosis so I do a lot of physical therapy stuff for that too. I really want to get into a good college and I’m so mad at myself for doing so poorly this semester. Does anyone know if I still have a chance to get into UCLA or UC Berkeley? I’m planning on majoring in the medical field. Thank you!~
UCs don’t even look at freshman grades so you’re fine.
Dear @uhhtina, I think what’s important is that you try and improve on your grades your following years in high school. Freshman year is important but it’s not your death sentence. Take some difficult classes next year and try your best next semester to pull your GPA and class rank up. Your aspiration to get involved in extracurriculars is very good and I recommend joining debate and student council. Another thing is, you can always explain in your college essay or in an additional portion of your application of why you may have been setback and scoliosis and adjusting to high school is definitely a valid reason. I wish you the best of luck!
Sincerely, a fellow Asian who understands.
Sounds like you have extenuating circumstances. Make sure you have an upward trend in your GPA. As mentioned, the UCs don’t even look at freshman year. And don’t load up with a lot of ECs, especially if you are managing a health issue at the same time - just pick one or two activities where you can really excel. Excelling means showing creativity, initiative, unusual commitment, leadership, compassion above and beyond, etc…Playing the gayageum is a unique EC. Is it one you can expand on through public performance, teaching, music composition, etc…?
@N’sMom
Thank you! My teacher is able to reward me with the President’s award and there are performances that I can take part in.
@gummyworms Thank you!! Being an Asian is tough…
@n’smom