Messed up bad in my first year of college -- what can I do for grad school?

Graduate School
1

<p>I came into my freshman year of college with about 24 credit hours from AP tests, a 3.8 GPA in high school, Top 7% in a class of 800. Basically, I did well and worked hard in those years.</p>

<p>My first year of college came around...and it has been a disaster so far :( My first semester consisted of 2 dropped classes, 2 C's and one D. My second semester had one C and one D. My GPA currently resides at 2.35... It has been a combination of outside school problems and lack of work ethic that has led to this. I began as your typical pre-med hopeful but microbiology and organic chemistry destroyed me and I have completely gotten away from that. I'm currently at a junior college and will transfer to a 4 year in one more year.</p>

<p>I've been very interested in Anthropology and International Studies though and have done extensive research on both. I think I want to Major in International Studies w/ a Anthropology minor and then attempt to get into Grad school for either, preferably International affairs, as I'm not planning to spend my life in academia.</p>

<p>I am fully motivated again for school, am enjoying the classes so far this semester and have really made a committment to make all As this semester. Using a GPA calculator, If I make a realistic goal of only As and a few Bs the next 2 years, I can have a 3.5+ GPA when I apply to grad schools. I know you're probably thinking that I'm setting my standards too high based on my freshman grades, but I know I am capable of those grades.</p>

<p>Any advice, suggestions, comments on what I can do to possibly better my chances in other ways for applying to grad school? </p>

<p>I just wish I could take back that first year, letting all the current freshman know that you don't want to end up like me!</p>

<p>Thanks in advance guys.</p>

2

<p>First, relax.</p>

<p>You have two or three more years to improve your standing. If you show that improvement trend you’re talking about, you’ll be absolutely fine GPA-wise.</p>

<p>Remember that you don’t have to apply to graduate school directly out of college. Many students take a year (or more) off in between, to pursue job opportunities, research experiences, internships, etc. This also allows your senior-year grades to be included in GPA calculations - a benefit to late-bloomers (such as myself!)</p>

<p>If you’re interested in graduate studies, you should start by speaking with your professors about undergraduate research opportunities.</p>