Should I even try? Opinions, please.

Parents Forum
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<p>I'm posting here because I've done some lurking on the parents forum and I think I have a better chance at getting some solid advice here than in another forum.</p>

<p>I'm a junior (white, female) at a large (1400) school in Kansas. A 21 ACT will automatically admit me to any public university in the state, but I'm worried that my transcript will hold me back from going to an out-of-state school. I'm looking into schools like Alabama, Kentucky, Tennesee, Arizona, Mississippi, etc--not selective, but still a challenge for someone like me.</p>

<p>My gpa is hovering around a 2.5.</p>

<p>Freshman year, I got an F in math. This was the semester that a close friend of mine committed suicide.</p>

<p>My school is 10-12, so sophomore year was a big transition for me. I got a D in AP Euro the first semester and dropped the class (switched into world history). I also got several C's.</p>

<p>This year, I got a D in physics and C+ in advanced American lit. Over Christmas break, I was put on Adderall for ADD, which runs in my family. I think I'm doing much better, so I hope there is an upward trend in my grades.</p>

<p>I have taken advanced English every year, but no AP except for that disastrous semester of AP Euro. I will only be through Algebra 2 when I graduate.</p>

<p>I do expect high test scores (182 PSAT sophomore year, but didn't take it this year), good essays, and good recommendations. I have been involved in a number of activities and I have a couple of leadership positions.</p>

<p>I guess my question is this: Do I have any chance at all at an out of state school? I know I could just try and see, but I can't afford to be ridiculous and send out all those applications if I'm not even a candidate.</p>

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<p>Which out-of-state schools are you interested in? What are you planning to study? What has happened to your grades since you went on the Adderall? What else are you doing (besides drugs) to help you deal with your ADD? Have you received any counseling to help you deal with your friend's suicide?</p>

<p>I know, lots of questions, and no answers. </p>

<p>Colleges are quite capable of looking at an upward trend, esp. when there are reasons why they should discount past lack of success. A friend of my daughter's went to Smith after getting ALL F's her 9th grade year and a few her tenth grade year. We need more info to provide better answers.</p>

3

<p>There's no harm in trying. Last year, we had a person here on CC who had a very similar GPA to yours and lower SATs - he was accepted to quite a few private schools with decent financial aid packages including Lake Forest, Goucher College in Md, and St. Louis University.</p>

<p>I'm very sorry about the death of your friend. My daughter had the same experience last year and her grades also plummeted in the aftermath of dealing with everything. She and her other friends are only just know really getting back to normal. Make sure to ask your Guidance Counselor to mention the suicide and its effect on your grades in the school recommendation.</p>

4

<p>Alright, some answers and a question:</p>

<p>Which out-of-state schools are you interested in? I'm most seriously looking into Oklahoma U (my gma lives in OKC, not too far from Norman, which I think would help the transition), College of Charleston, Clemson, LSU, U Kentucky, U Tennessee-Knoxville, U Alabama, Auburn U, U Tulsa, U Arizona, and Arizona State. Cold, cloudy winters really bother me.</p>

<p>What are you planning to study? I might study either Classics or journalism, or maybe both. I don't know for sure, but I know that I won't be majoring in any kind of science.</p>

<p>What has happened to your grades since you went on the Adderall? I've only been in school a few weeks, so it's too early to tell for sure. I have had good attendance so far (usually one of my major downfalls) and I have kept up with all assignments.</p>

<p>What else are you doing (besides drugs) to help you deal with your ADD? I keep my backpack, notebooks, room, etc very organized and most of my day is part of a very regular routine. The only thing I can't seem to organize is my mind. I'm also eligible for extended testing time once I turn in the papers; I'm not sure if I'll be using that accommodation or not.</p>

<p>Have you received any counseling to help you deal with your friend's suicide? Yes, and to tell the truth, I had plenty of other things to be worked out before that happened. I'm seeing someone once a week.</p>

<p>My question: Because I was at the junior high at the time of my friend's suicide, I have a new guidance counselor who met me after the fact. However, I had a 3.3 first semester and a 2.5 the next, which is pretty compelling. Could my current GC still comment on the change in grades without seeming disreputable?</p>

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<p>I don't think a GC who was not involved with you as a 9th grader would be terribly credible. The most important things to focus on today are your current and future classes, where good grades and establishing an upward trend will really help you.</p>

<p>Use the extended testing time if it is available. Also, you might look at your school options and see if any of them ignore freshman grades. Some schools do, and obviously that would help you. </p>

<p>You've shown good awareness of your situation vis-a-vis college and made an articulate post here, so I suspect that you will do well once you get your personal issues under better control. I also suggest you look at some small schools, where you might find a less stressful and more supportive environment. Not a big list south of you, but Texas has a few options, and just north, Iowa has a whole bunch of good ones. </p>

<p>Hang in there. . .you'll do well.</p>