<p>I'm in my senior year of high school. My GPA is a ghastly 2.9. I have 3 Fs on my transcripts. Overall, it seems I've done academically terrible. For two years now I've been a debater, in fact, I coach other debaters now and have made it my goal to at least help them get in to college and have them avoid my mistakes. I'll have to take the SATs in December. I spend alot of time every week, every day, taking care of my debaters and building them up. I'm at the top of the league, headed for a tournament in ATL soon. My family is all over the place, and I'm practically ready to live on my own. Right now I survive with my grandparents. Somehow I was chosen to be a Take Stock In Children Scholar. I'm also a seminarian with an independent Catholic Bishop and really big on helping others. </p>
<p>I've applied to FSU and applied for the CARE Summer Bridge Program. </p>
<p>I'm applying to FSU, Stetson, UF, University of Denver (with 80% admission rate), UCF and maybe a few more like DU. </p>
<p>Overall, I'm terrified and I don't see myself getting in anywhere. I'm sure I'll do great on the SATs and my ECs look good, but I know my academics have been - terrible. This year I'm taking three APs (English Lit., Comp. Gov. & Politics, and Macro/Micro Eco.s). I got an F the first nine-weeks in AP Eng.</p>
<p>It sounds like you have gone far while dealing with some real disadvantages. Try some private schools that may look beyond your bad grades. Do a good job on your essays (and be sure they are read by someone who has a good understanding of grammar!).</p>
<p>If all else fails, there is still no reason in this county to give up on a college education - we have a wonderful system in place that gives people a second chance - your local community college! Do well there for two years, and transfer.</p>
<p>Definetly keep applying and looking at different schools. Check out University of Alabama, LSU, Mississippi, Mississippi State and WVU. I think you would have a shot at some of these. Good luck!</p>
<p>I read somewhere that most colleges in the US accept over 75% of their applicants. You CAN go to college. It just may seem like you can't because the media, parents, schools, and ESPECIALLY this website focus on the very topmost schools in the country. Even if you have to go to community college first and transfer later (which, in someways, is a very good idea for many people because you save a lot of money), you can get your bachelor's degree. Don't give up! Do research!</p>
<p>Anyone can get into college if they try hard enough. Make sure you highlight your progress and determination in your apps. And do well on your SATs. While I don't agree that good test scores should "make up" for a bad GPA, a lot of colleges think differently.</p>
<p>Don't be so hard on yourself. You sound like you have many characteristics that would make you very appealing to a lot of schools, despite a few blemishes on your record. A 2.9 in a rigorous curriculum that includes APs is nothing to sneeze at (a lot of college-bound students will have the same gpa in a minimal college prep curriculum). Work as hard as you can this year, chose a realistic mix of schools, and see if you or your guidance counselor can explain some of the reasons that you had a few rough patches. Good luck! You sound like you've got tons of potential.</p>
<p>Well, I am not sure whether or not FSU will accept you or not, but I do know that the Gators are going to CRUSH them in the Swamp tomorrow. Florida State=Gator Bait. GO GATORS. Sorry.</p>
<p>Yes, you can get into college. However, as is the case with most students, you need to apply in a way that guarantees you have some colleges that you KNOW you will be accepted into and definitely CAN afford.</p>
<p>I think that FSU and UF are both reach schools for you due to your gpa and the fact that the largest group of applicants in U.S. history will be applying to colleges this year. I don't know about UCF. I also am concerned about your AP English grade. Seems it may be hard to pull up that "F" to at least a C. You need to do whatever you can including getting a tutor if necessary to bring that up to a C and to maintain good grades for the rest of the school year.</p>
<p>Even if you get into a college, your final grades will count in that colleges will withdraw admissions if end of your grades are not good.</p>
<p>Can you afford private colleges, which even in Fla. can cost as much as $45 k a year including room and board? Getting one's full demonstrated (which means what the college thinks you need, which tends to be less than families are willing to pay) need met can be hard from private colleges like Florida's which tend not to have large endowments.</p>
<p>I strongly suggest that you apply to your local community college as a safety. With good grades at a CC and with the right courses, you'll be able to transfer to a 4-year Fla. public, including your dream school.</p>
<p>Virtually all public schools -- including Florida's -- base admission almost exclusively on: stats, high school courses taken, and your state residency (with in-state students having a big advantage). Your debate experience sounds excellent, but probably won't help you with the public colleges. Private colleges probably at most would use it for merit aid consideration.</p>
<p>if you don't get in. you can always attend a community college and take all the freshman courses required (since first 2 years are dedicated mostly to that), and transfer easily</p>
<p>Will you get into some college? Sure, doubtlessly. Should you go to college? I don't know. It depends on your intelligence. You seem to be a smart guy who hasn't gotten the best grades, although I can't say for sure. If this is the case, take a look at your priorities and decide whether you're at the point in your life where you're willing to do what it takes to get the grades you need at a Florida CC to transfer to a great school like UF.</p>
<p>edit: Er...I should read the thread before commenting. Basically, what parent2noles said.</p>
<p>I'll have to start working and attending a community college somewhere if I don't get accepted. I really don't want to stay with family here at home because they've tended to hold me back and I'm way past that. If nothing else works out, I'll join the military. Keeping my fingers crossed.</p>
<p>Also please check out Ripon College in Wisconsin. They have an outstanding debating program and have had one for a long time. Spencer Tracy was on it. I bet you would be of interest to them.</p>