My GPA is too terrible to speak of..where do I go from here? (I'm a junior)

College Search & Selection
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<p>I don’t know what it is that has made it impossible for me to do homework throughout my schooling. I was one of those “GATE/TAG” kids in elementary school (California) and was in a separate program in the school for “gifted” kids. My standardized test scores were always in the 99th percentile (and to this day, they are still consistently in the 90’s). So people always thought I was on track to do really well academically. But the opposite happened; as soon as I hit middle school (and moved to Oregon, though that may be irrelevant) my grades started dropping freefall. Right now, my GPA is…gulp…1.3. It’s not that I don’t understand the content - I’m average at math and science and excellent at reading/writing. I’ve been told many times, by teachers especially, that I’m great at creative writing and the like. I don’t know how true this is, but at least this tells me I’m decent at it. When I can get my mind in the right frame, I really love writing. I actually have a thirst to learn and in many of my classes I’ve truly enjoyed participating in discussions and such.</p>

<p>I just have this complete inability to do homework. And I can’t ever focus - 70% of the time that I try to start doing homework, my brain feels like there is static in it. I feel like I might have ADD, but I can focus when I’m doing something that interests me. And I don’t want to look like I’m making excuses. Part of it is laziness/procrastination/extreme fatigue, but a lot of it really feels out of my control. Maybe it is just a skill (doing homework, time management) I sorely lack. I wish I could have 2-3 subjects that interest me that I could devote my energy to, instead of 8 classes. So the reason I have bad grades is because I had such a huge number of missing assignments.</p>

<p>This semester, so far, I have 3/4 A/B’s, and 3/4 D/F’s, though obviously those grades are not final. Ironically enough, most of my high grades are in the IB courses I am taking (English and Social Anthropology).</p>

<p>I always thought I would go to a good college, but it seems impossible now. I want to have a life and career after high school, but it’s like I’m doomed.</p>

<p>I feel like I have so much to offer in ideas, thoughts, creation, discussion throughout the spectrum of study (and life, too). But my weaknesses happen to be the ones that cost me in terms of academics.</p>

<p>I think I can get somewhere between 2000-2200 on the SATs. I am not sure how the ACT is scored, frankly, but on the “PLAN” I was in the 95th percentile.</p>

<p>I was thinking about starting off at community college and then transferring to a 4-year college, but here are my concerns:</p>

<li>Community college sounds awfully like high school.</li>
<li>Part of me wants to go to a college that doesn’t involve me living at home, but my local CC is 15 minutes away.
3. I don’t know what college to transfer to - should I consider that before entering CC, or can I think about it in my freshman year?</li>
<li>I want to spend more than 2 years at a university. Any way to transfer as a sophomore?</li>
<li>I tell myself I can get hw done, and it sounds so easily, but when push comes to shove I’m scared I will continue my habits</li>
<li>I want to go a university where I can, first and foremost, truly learn and have great discussions, but also where the environment is inspiring and where I can meet people without the college cult-like or too small. I don’t really fit into any clubs.</li>
</ol>

<p>7. IMPORTANT: With an above-average SAT, I can get into Portland State University. Is it better to start off there, and transfer to a somewhat better school, or is it better to start off at Portland Community College and then transfer?</p>

<p>I know I am rambling, but the gist is: my GPA sucks, but I want to have a bright future, get a BA at a university, and not have this stupid number define my life. HELP.</p>

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<p>I know people who’ve dropped out of highschool and gone to prestigious universities. Your problem is not uncommon, as long as you’re willing to take a seperate route, you are never doomed in life. </p>

<p>As for which path to choose, I’d say community college. You’d save money and have easier courses, and I think it’s easier to make a transfer to a 4 year school of your choice…you just have to do very well here.</p>

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<p>You should visit your general practitioner doctor, and tell him/her you suspect you may have ADD… get an appointment with a testing psychologist or psychiatrist, and see where that goes.</p>

<p>Your inability to respond to external requirements is disasterous for most forms of employment and life in general.</p>

<p>Any advice we give you regarding colleges is like focusing on the fly on an elephant’s back. The problems you describe actually accomplishing a simple task are very, very serious, regardless of whether you have the brain wiring to test will on standardized test.</p>

<p>You must first recognize that your inability to do tasks is not normal… not in any kind of normal range. Get that fixed!!! Often it is a combination of pharmaceuticals and behavior mod… </p>

<p>You have a brain chemistry imbalance.</p>

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<p>I agree that you should go to the doctor and see if you can be put on some medication, because it does sound as though you have ADHD. </p>

<p>Also, you mentioned that you were good at creative writing, and from your post you do seem rather well written. Why not start doing some free-lance journalism in your free time, like a hobby? Obviously you will be starting out very small, writing a couple of humorous things for your local newsletter/high school paper, but it could be something that could develop into a career option. If a newspaper likes your writing, you have a good imagination, convey your thoughts well onto paper, and are popular with the readers, it won’t matter about stats etc. Give it a try, because even if you’re turned down, your writing will improve; in short, no bad can come of it.</p>

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<p>I’m thinking I agree with DunninLA. Get checked out by your dr. first. </p>

<p>But, I don’t want you to think that there is no hope for you and college. I think there are ALWAYS options for people, if they are willing to work for it.</p>

<p>I wonder if taking the GED is the right option for you.</p>

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<p>First of all, keep in mind that the advice you get on this forum is only as good as the anonymous writers.</p>

<p>Full disclosure - I am not a doctor, therapist, or in the health professions. However, I can tell you that ADD/ADHD is not due to “brain chemistry imbalance.” It has to do with executive functioning, and how active your frontal cortex is. For that reason many people find that medication can help them focus, but there are lots of other options in addition to (or instead of) medication. The symptom that you mention - not being able to focus on uninteresting tasks but being able to focus on something that intrigues you - is quite typical of ADD/ADHD, but there could be some other things going on as well. Here’s what you need to do:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>If you are using any substances (alcohol, pot, etc.) recreationally, stop now. They can make your symptoms much worse.</p></li>
<li><p>Talk to both your pediatrician and your parents about this. Perhaps show them this thread. What you need is a full neuropsychological evaluation. Some health plans will pay for this; others won’t.</p></li>
<li><p>As a result of the work-up, you may get a diagnosis and recommendations from the psychologist. You and your parents then need to meet with your high school counselor and establish a plan for you to receive any accommodations that the psychologist may have recommended. If medication is recommended, you will need to start that and see how it goes. Medication works differently for different people, and side effects can be an issue.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Once you have addressed your symptoms you can begin to explore your college options. First things first. </p>

<p>I’m sure that since you’re perceptive enough to realize that you have a problem that needs to be addressed, you will figure out what to do about it and will go on to be very successful. Good luck!</p>

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<p>You most likely DO have ADD or ADHD. You have the classic symptoms including NOT doing homework or not studying…while being very intelligent.</p>

<p>Get treated, that is the first order of business. There is a HIGH rate of alcoholism and drug abuse from UNTREATED ADD and ADHD persons. Job hopping is also endemic to them, if untreated.</p>

<p>Knowing that you have it will help you. You can ward off temptations, make yourself get through it, and stop blaming yourself for being lazy. BUT you must also own upto your past and resolve to fix it.</p>

<p>Some kids with ADD/ADHD perform very well. I know one at a prestigious school honor’s program. But he got help early in his life. </p>

<p>What is past is not necessarily prologue. What is past can remain in the past if you decide TODAY to fix the problem and look forward.</p>

<p>Get tested, diagnosed and treated. It may involve meds, it may also involve counseling. </p>

<p>As for college, the price you pay for your poor performance will likely be a gap year or a year at a community college or a four year college that is less competitive. But you MUST prove yourself during that year…and by that I mean STELLAR grades, not mediocre ones. As in 4.0. THEN TRANSFER.</p>

<p>Millions have ADD/ADHD. Fewer get treated. You can be a huge success in life or a huge mess. Its up to you. Admitting your problem is the first order of business and you are off to a good start.</p>

<p>Finally, know that nobody is perfect and everyone has baggage somewhere in their life. </p>

<p>Good luck to you and God Bless.</p>

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<p>"I wish I could have 2-3 subjects that interest me that I could devote my energy to, instead of 8 classes. "</p>

<p>And, when you do go to look at colleges and universities, take a long hard look at Colorado College (Colorado Springs, CO) and Cornell College (Mount Vernon, IA). Both of these schools offer the one-course-at-a-time plan. Essentially, you would have one subject, and only that subject for about three and a half weeks, then a half-week vacation before starting the next course. During the school year you would have the equivalent of a full-load at a college with a more typical schedule, but you would only have to keep track of one subject at a time. Some students find this one-at-a-time schedule more productive. You might be one of them.</p>

<p>Wishing you all the best, always.</p>

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<p>I won’t give you medical/doctor advice, because I’m not qualified to do so, nor are most people on CC I’m betting.</p>

<p>On the colleges, you have to look hard and long before you choose one, even more so than other people. I think your main goal, when picking colleges that is, is that you do not want college to be like high school, because in college, you get chucked out with a 1.3. You have to take every possible step to ensure success, and you’re bright so it can be done. I am not sure how much good a community college will do-I think it will be like high school all over again. Happymomof1 has some really good college suggestions-that one course at a time thing could very well play into your favor. Good luck!</p>

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<p>I wish you the best. I think you need to be evaluated. I am not a doctor, just a mom, but I think you have ADHD and I think you will need ADHD meds. It may take months to find the right med at the right dose to keep you on track and focused but not over-focused, a med that still lets your personality shine through. Good luck. Be patient. It will work out.</p>

<p>You might investigate the possibility of Muskingum, which has outstanding services for students with ADHD. [Muskingum</a> College: Center for Advancement of Learning](<a href=“http://www.muskingum.edu/home/cal/philosophy.html]Muskingum”>http://www.muskingum.edu/home/cal/philosophy.html)</p>

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<p>Get that ADD (ADHD) checked out! That will be essential to your success! A 1.3 is very low, but you are not doomed. If you could get a HIGH (I mean above 2100) SAT score, you could improve your chances for transfer. I would go to CC for a year, work your butt off, and then transfer to a good college.</p>

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<p>To put something else out there: You don’t have to go to your local CC. I have a couple of friends who’ll be at CCs an hour or two away from home.</p>

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<p>^Same here. </p>

<p>OP, if you do well in your freshman year at a CC, you could almost definitely transfer into a variety of colleges for your sophomore year. You don’t necessarily have to get your associate’s before you transfer. </p>

<p>And definitely go and see a professional about the problems you’ve been having. Going to a community college with the hope of transferring won’t do you any good if your problems remain undiagnosed and undiminished.</p>

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<p>Depending on what your family can afford, it could be possible for you to go to a private college with resources that can help. Is money available for college?</p>

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<p>“You most likely DO have ADD or ADHD. You have the classic symptoms including NOT doing homework or not studying…while being very intelligent.”</p>

<p>Dang… and I wasted all of that time getting trained and doing all those evaluations… (smile)</p>

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<p>IMHO, there are plenty of other “gate kids” who struggle with the nuts and bolts of doing boring, repetitive,mindless homework. However, they find the discipline and focus to just get it done. Somehow you never did. Unfortunately, unless you find out a way to just grind things out, you will not be able to complete what is needed for a college degree and a job. So it would be your best interest to get diagnosed before you go to college and crash and burn. Best of luck.</p>

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<p>Everyone else has already suggested the Dr. route, so I’d just add having a good Jr. year, doing the best you can (which might be surprisingly good if you get checked out). Add as much structure to your homework as you can. If you’re focusing on grades, I wouldn’t do a lot of ECs or hold a job during the school year.</p>

<p>If you go to CC, you don’t have to pick your transfer college immediately. You can wait until you’re ready to apply. When you go to CC, you also don’t have to take 5 classes right away.</p>

<p>I really liked the suggestion of considering a different CC too. Particularly if you might want to go to a public school in another state, a life-plan that involves a CC in another state could lead to establishing residency in that state to take advantage of its in-state residency for tuition. If you look at 4,5 and 6 year college graduation rates for many schools, you will see that you will have a lot of company.</p>

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<p>Well, Assuming your intellegents is as high as you say it is, you still have a fighting chance. Talk to your school guidance councelor and see what they recommend, and also see your doctor about ADD or ADHD. I think if you went to community college and got a GPA of 3.5+ you could still get into an average university.</p>

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<p>Very old thread!</p>