<p>Well, my story is somewhat long, so I'll try to shorten it the best of my ability.
Pretty much my entire High School career, I was set to be in the Military. All through those 4 years, that's what I worked towards. I was a smart kid, or so everyone told me, but I didn't apply myself scholastically because I thought it didn't matter. When I finally did go to Basic Training, they told me I had Moderate Conductive Hearing Loss in my Right Ear, and I couldn't be in the Army. That kinda put a damper on, well, everything. </p>
<p>Cut a month and a half later, to now, and I have no idea what I'm going to do with my life. </p>
<p>I have a pretty decent ACT score, 30, I can ride on, but my GPA is garbage, 2.7, because like I said, I never really tried in High School. Just did the minimum to pass and that was it. </p>
<p>Basically, is there a way I can boost my GPA up a little bit, to not look as bad as it is. I have heard that going to Community College, even to take a couple classes, looks good on College Apps because it shows that I made a mistake and am trying to correct it. </p>
<p>If anyone has any input on how to raise my GPA from High School, it will be much appreciated. </p>
<p>What barrk said. If you could have gotten better grades in high school, you’ll be able to get better grades in a community college, and you’ll have more opportunities at less cost than you would going directly to a 4-year program.</p>
<p>If you don’t want to go the community college route, you could really try to focus on your essays, extracurriculars, senior year grades, and see if you can get good recommendations to make up for your low GPA. Your ACT score is also really high, so your chances at colleges are not hopeless. Perhaps writing an extra supplement explaining your situation might help.</p>
<p>Community college for two years then transfer would be a good idea and save some money too.</p>
<p>I’d disagree with bluechicken about writing an extra supplement explaining your situation. You have no legitimate excuse (illness, family death, etc) but rather were just lazy because you had alternate career path in mind. I think writing about your situation would just sound like you’re making excuses.</p>
<p>Your best bet right now is to go to community college. Pop by the one that is closest to where you live, and see if you can enroll this fall. Take your discharge papers with you, and have the financial aid office look up the rules for veterans. You may be able to be classified as an independent student for financial aid purposes.</p>
<p>One of my nephews received a medical discharge part-way through Marine basic, so I do understand something about your situation. Being forced to give up that kind of dream is very tough. Give yourself a bit of time to come up with a new plan.</p>
<p>bluechicken: the OP is already out of HS. No way to “focus on senior year” grades. Plus the types of colleges he/she might attend will not require essays/personal statements. Only very selective colleges require these.</p>
<p>Agentzero: since you’re out of HS, you can only focus fwd. Like happymon said,best of luck to you.</p>