Low GPA, Huge upward trend, what to expect?

College Search & Selection
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<p>Sorry for the length, but this is my entire high school story:</p>

<p>My freshman year was very rough. I failed two of my classes (one semester of English and one semester of world history). This was because I had so many missing assignments. My GPA was a whopping 1.9 on a 5 point scale.
I had to quit competitive figure skating to give me more time for school. I also made some other adjustments like dropping down a level of my honors math class and dropping out my biology class (I thought I hated science, so I didn't mind only taking 3 years). My grades picked up to all B's and one C by the end second semester. After freshman year my (cumulative) GPA was a 2.3.
I made up my failed English class in summer school, which I got a B in.</p>

<p>Sophomore year I retook the first semester of my failed history class and took the biology class I previously dropped. Although I seemed more hopeful after hitting rock bottom first semester freshman year, my grades began deteriorating once again. After months of intense emotional stress and depression, my school psychologist had me take psych test. The results concluded I had very severe ADHD-inattentive type. After that, I received treatment and guidance. Mu teachers told me that it almost seemed like a miracle. With the time I had left in first semester, I raised all of my grades and finished with a 2.9 cumulative GPA. Finally, getting a fresh start, second semester I got all A's and one B. my GPA was then a 3.5. I just missed making my school's high honor roll, but I did end up making regular honor roll.
Since I retook a history class sophomore year, I only had one total credit of social studies. To make up for this, I took two semesters of US History over the summer. Since I had the hardest teacher, I got a B both semesters. Keep in mind only one student got a A in that class.</p>

<p>Now I am in my first semester of junior year. I requested to take honors chemistry, but the class was overbooked so I was forced to take College Prep. It frustrates me because chem CP is ridiculously easy. I currently have all A's, but my grades aren't final. My only honors course is honors choir, in which is included in my GPA with honors weighting (+.83), but I know that choir doesn't really count as an important honors class. I regret switching out of honors math as a freshman, but there is nothing I can do about it now. It makes me nervous because I won't have any AP or honors classes on my transcript, and since colleges don't see your senior year grades until after you apply, I'm afraid of them thinking that I didn't challenge myself.
I've calculated possible GPA's for future semesters many times. If I keep up my grades the way I have been, I can get a 3.9 by the end of this semester, followed by a 4.3 or 4.4 by the end of junior year. The problem is that schools I am interested in have much higher average GPA's.</p>

<p>Senior year I plan on taking AP psych, AP physics, AP calculus AB, Spanish 5 CP, honors choir and I have not decided on an English class but it won't be AP or honors. I'm glad to be taking 3 AP's, but I wish senior year were as important as junior year.</p>

<p>My cumulative GPA does not accurately reflect me as a student. I am very proud of my improvements, but I am still extremely nervous about my past keeping me from succeeding.</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
- competitive figure skating 11 years until freshman year
- sophomore year bel cantos (frosh/soph Christmas a capella group that sings at nursing homes, hospitals, etc.)
- voice lessons once a week since summer after freshman year
- junior year JV cross country,
- junior year madrigals (junior/senior version of bel cantos)
- planning on junior year track
- planning on senior year cross country
- planning senior year madrigals
- planning on senior year track</p>

<p>As you can see, my extracurriculars are rather inconsistent. I'm regretful about this as well, but I have to remind myself I can't change the past.</p>

<p>I'm scheduled to take my ACT this Saturday. I'm confident I will get a high score based off of practice tests.</p>

<p>Main questions:
Will colleges evaluate me based on my cumulative GPA? Will they take into account my struggles and improvements? Could a high ACT score balance my low GPA?
Will my lack of honors and APs really hurt me when I apply to colleges?
What can I do now to make the best of my situation?</p>

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<p>

Yes, although they will place more emphasis on your upperclassman grades and grades from rigorous classes.

Depends on the school, but most applications allow you to include a narrative of your situation.

Certianly wont hurt. Check the C7 in the CDS for each school to see how important scores are.

Yes. All colleges list Rigor as a most important factor. If you are taking them Sr year it will help. </p>

<p>GL on ACT. What schools are you looking at ?</p>

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<p>My #1 is USC, and I’m also looking at U of Michigan and Wisconsin Madison</p>

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<p>Your personal story, the upward trend in your grades and a strong score on ACT should make it possible for you to be admitted to more selective colleges or universities than your GPA alone would otherwise qualify you for.</p>

<p>On the other hand, your cumulative GPA and the absence of honors classes in your schedule are factors that will limit your options. To be realistic, I think USC, Michigan and Wisconsin are highly unlikely for an applicant with your transcript and your story, especially if you’re out-of-state for Michigan and Wisconsin.</p>

<p>I’m greatly oversimplifying matters when I say this, but large public universities tend to be very numbers-driven in admissions; smaller colleges and universities are more likely to consider both your numbers and your story. And while I’m sure you have a lot to offer to a university or college, your numbers really aren’t your strongest point.</p>

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<p>If you’re from a well off family I would definitely look at some LACs as options. The admission criteria tend to be more holistic and with a smaller student body it can be easier to get individual attention which may help you with your ADHD.</p>

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<p>Yes I understand your point. I forgot to mention that their three schools are my most ideal schools, so they are all reach schools that I am not expecting to get into but I would like to know that I tried. I would be absolutely thrilled if I got into any of them, but not surprised if I don’t. I’m also thinking about u of Iowa, Indiana Bloomington, and u of Illinois (in-state). Do you think I stand a better chance at those schools?</p>

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<p>One of my kids had a very similar profile and was accepted at Indiana Bloomington. We are out-of-state and they gave a small scholarships but cost was a huge factor. We did find ops publics that would take her but you need to talk to your parents about how finances will play out because you are unlikely to get much aid at those schools.</p>

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<p>Just got a 32 on the ACT. Are there any suggestions on schools I could get into with my projected GPA and ACT score?</p>

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<p>excellent score. I didnt catch your projected GPA but that act score is competitive for UW and UM. You will get into Iowa. </p>

<p>Consider NIU for scholarship opportunities.</p>

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<p>[W&M</a> Blogs » Overheard in Committee: Grade Trends](<a href=“http://blogs.wm.edu/2013/11/26/overheard-in-committee-grade-trends/]W&M”>http://blogs.wm.edu/2013/11/26/overheard-in-committee-grade-trends/)</p>

<p>Upward grade trends really help!</p>

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<p>Thank you! I also wanted to mention that I’m interested in UCSD and UCSB, both of which don’t include freshman year in GPA evaluations. Think its worth a shot?</p>

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<p>I also wanted to add that I will be attending the 5 week summer program at Berklee college of music. Will this help me in admissions at all? To strengthen music as an EC</p>

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You are very inspirational. I believe in you, GPA isnt the only thing loked at. I girl got into Stanford with a 3.4. :slight_smile: i will pray for you tonight, not that you need it, if i was a selective collage (like ranked 50 and up national in america) i would accept you with flying colors :slight_smile: and know everyone here agrees with me.

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Closing two year old thread.