Is there anything else that I can do to increase my chances?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>My freshman grades were absolutely awful, as was my math grade for sophomore year. I really didn't care about school or college until late in my sophomore year, so my academic record is less than impressive. (I've never failed a class, but Ds can be found on my transcript--those classes have already either been retaken or will be retaken by the start of my senior year.)</p>

<p>I spent the start of my junior year improving my academic record (resulting in almost straight As and a B in Ceramics), so I qualified for CSF this semester. It's about all that I have for extracurricular activities until I'm able to nab a job.</p>

<p>By senior year, I'll have taken four out of the five AP classes my school offers (all the ones I qualify for), and my teachers/counselor can vouch that I've improved significantly. Still, my cumulative GPA right now is only a 3.4 (unweighted).</p>

<p>My SATs and ACTs will be taken in June and probably retaken at the beginning of my senior year. I've been studying really hard for them, so I hope to do well.</p>

<p>Obviously, though, I'm not a very impressive person as of now. I've had some difficulties outside of school, but I really don't want to factor that into this. Just looking at what I gave you, what else can I do to improve my chances of getting into a good college? Or am I entirely hopeless? I'd really appreciate any advice or criticism that you can give me, even if it's just study advice. Thanks. (:</p>

2

<p>First of all, great job in turning things around! That IS impressive. And lots of schools will not put much emphasis on your freshman year, as they know some students, especially guys take a little longer to get it together in high school.</p>

<p>What can you do besides keeping your grades up and practicing for your tests?<br>

  1. Get to know a few teachers well, so they can write recommendations that reflect who you really are and what you want to accomplish in school/life.<br>
  2. Get to know your guidance counselor as well - he or she is the perfect person to talk about any personal challenges you may have had freshman year that impacted your grades.
  3. Have the money talk with your family - know what you can afford and how that impacts your choice of schools.<br>
  4. Spend time this summer familiarizing yourself with the wide range of really excellent schools out there so you don’t get sucked into the ‘brand name/prestige/rankings’ trap - and instead focus on the schools that will offer you the best environment for what you want to accomplish.<br>
  5. Have you got a job or internship lined up for the summer? If not, do it now.<br>
  6. Lastly, put some thought into your essay this summer - how you want to present yourself. Don’t wait for senior year to start writing those essays - you will be too busy to do yourself justice. </p>

<p>Good luck! Based on what you’ve accomplished academically, in terms of turning yourself around, I think you’re going to do just fine.</p>