Low GPA, upward trend?

Applying to College
1

During my freshman year I did poorly, finished the year off with a 2.4 unweighted GPA and a 2.6 weighted GPA.

The first half of my sophomore year I didn’t do so great, but it was an improvement from my freshman year grades. However, the second half of my sophomore year I began caring much more and I guess you can say I matured. I finished the second semester with 3 A’s and a B, one A being in the first AP Class I’ve taken. I ended up finishing the year with a 2.75 unweighted GPA and a 3.125 weighted GPA.

I’m currently a Junior and the first semester recently ended, my unweighted GPA is going to become a 2.85 and my weighted GPA will become a 3.4. I am hoping to achieve a 3.0 unweighted GPA and a 3.7 weighted GPA by the end of this year overall.

I have yet to take my ACT and SAT, however I have been studying for those and will be taking the ACT in March and the SAT sometime before my Junior year ends.

I’ve been involved with clubs as well, such as TSA and Key Club.

I’ve been very worried about college, I am afraid that my GPA will end up getting me rejected from colleges, because no matter how hard I keep trying my GPA can only go so high since I dug such a deep hole for myself.

Will colleges consider my upward trend?

Does rigor of classes play a part? I have been taking mostly honors courses, I have taken two AP’s so far and have recieved an A in both of them, I will be taking two more this semester.

If I score well on the SAT or ACT will it help me alot even with my low GPA?

Does class rank matter that much? The last time I was informed of my rank it was 200/439 but it has probably changed after my 3.4 unweighted, I am not aware what it currently is.

Colleges I am interested in :

•ECU
•UNCW
•Meredith
•NCSU (I am aware I have a very low chance here)

2

Yes, it is good that you have an upward trend, keep up the good work. Yes, ECs play a part, usually they are more important at more selective colleges. Yes, take the most rigorous classes yiu can, but not so many that you will stress yourself out and end up doing worse. Colleges definitely like to see rigor. Talk with your counselor, and when it comes time next year to write your recommendation, ask her/him to note your upward trend and that you came to realize how important it is to do well in high school.

Yes, high SAT or ACT scores can make up for a LOT. I personally know two guys, both with not great grades, but high test scores, who were offered huge merit scholarships by colleges. I suggest you study hard for the ACT, as the new SAT is an unknown right now. There are lots of great ACT prep materials, and you can get free stuff too from the Internet. Use a timer when you study.

I do actually think your clear upward trend in grades will help you a lot, so try not to stress too much. I don’t know the colleges you list at all, but the things I have mentioned here are universal. Also rank is not the factor it used to be, except in Texas apparently. These days, your school will probably note what percentile of your class you fall in, so you may be surprised. Take the most rigorous schedule you can handle in your senior year, and do great in your first two quarters, that will help a lot. I actually think you seem to be on the right track, so relax a bit and keep up the good work.