<p>I just finished my freshman year of college. I didn't do well my first semester because everything was so new and I've always struggled in school. For 2nd semester, I told myself I would improve. I was better at keeping up with all my classes, but made a stupid mistake that made one class go from a B/C to an F. In my other classes, I passed but didn't do so well. I'm thinking of transferring somewhere else with more academic support. Overall, I learned how to take on more academic challenges. I still feel I am able to succeed at another college with a better program. Problem is, gpa now is below a 1.0. Can I write a essay explaining my struggles? Will the bad grades not transfer? I can't imagine staying home for a semester after being away for a year.</p>
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<p>You can, but I doubt it will fly. Adcoms are only likely to accept a poor start when there’s later work that shows significant improvement. To submit a 1.0 gpa and give all of the excuses for it doesn’t stand up well to other applicants who have demonstrated that they can do the work. It’s the difference between saying and doing.</p>
<p>Sorry if this sounds tough, I don’t think it’s a good idea and it tends to perpetuate the ‘what should be’ rather than the ‘what is’ state of mind. My recommendation would be to continue for another year or more either at your current college or a CC. Retake the failed class and show marked improvement overall.</p>
<p>I’ve decided to go to a CC for a year while looking into other schools. I’m retaking the few classes I failed while getting other requirements out of the way. Thank you :)</p>
<p>Sounds like a good plan, best of luck to you!</p>
<p>p.s. It took me 4 years to do 2 yrs of CC courses, I transfered to a 4 yr and got my BA, then went on for a MS and eventually a PhD. A slow start does not preclude a strong finish!</p>
<p>Yup. Slow start does not mean a failure in life. My friend, who could not get into college and went to a trade school. Now he owns a medium company that sells products to 3M world wide.</p>