<p>So here's my situation... My first two years of high school were rough, in school and out of school. I didnt do good in school, and I got a C average freshmen year, and a D average sophomore year. I am currently a junior. I failed first quarter grades, i've woken up, and now getting A's and B's in the second quarter and plan on getting those grades for the rest of high school. In my sophomore year, I got suspended for one week (along with 3 other kids) for smoking marijuana on the school bus. And I'm aware its extremely stupid, I couldn't tell you to this day why i thought it was ok, so please don't lecture me on how that was a stupid idea. And I'm pretty sure that suspensions go on high school transcripts. Also, my GPA is a 2.4 currently. I met with my school counselor and he told me that if i kept my grades where they are right now, my GPA could possibly reach close to a 2.7-3.0 and then he could put in a letter of recommendation that my first two years were rough for my school life and personal life only if i did very well this year and senior year and hopefully a college would understand. If i keep up what i'm doing, score very good on SAT's, and my counselor putting that info in his letter of recommendation, what are my chances of getting into a university? I want to achieve my MBA (Masters of Business Administration), but because of my background, it might not be an option. So if not, i want to major in business administration, marketing, or something in that field. I know i'm not getting into an elite/ivy school. I heard that state universities are easy to get into (most of them) so I've been looking at places like Kansas State University, Alabama State University, University of Wyoming, Ohio University, sand others like that. Thanks a bunch in advance!!</p>
<p>Schools look for an “upward swing” in grades. The first two years are the least important. If you can demonstrate a strong rebound, you have a good chance. </p>
<p>You never mentioned your act or sat score…?</p>
<p>Because I havent taken them yet. I just said if I did very good on them. Like above average</p>
<p>If you have the capacity to get A’s, I’m sure that with practice you can get a favorable ACT score. A counselor letter will help, but so will your essay(s). Really show admissions what changed in you/what you realized to begin doing better. If those schools you mentioned are your first choices, that’s great. If you’re underestimating yourself, that’s also great - I think you should investigate schools like Indiana, Miami of Ohio, etc… Because you might get into a good school with some effort!</p>
<p>This is subjective, but I think some type of drug counseling role for you would look very good, and also make an essay topic.</p>
<p>
Your high school record will be totally irrelevant when you apply to an MBA program. And you can get into almost any MBA program from almost any undergraduate school. Acceptance is mostly based on your college grades, your GMAT scores, and any work experience you have at that point.</p>
<p>Actually your plan is fairly sound. If you continue to make A’s and B’s plus get good SAT and ACT scores you will definitely get into a decent university. Not Harvard or Stanford, but a solid college. Most of the ones you have listed are good choices given your situation… except Alabama State. Consider U.Alabama-Huntsville instead, or U.South Alabama, or Troy University. Also, take a look at West Texas A&M. Very cheap out of state tuition, but the name will get attention and the business school is AACSB accredited (don’t go somewhere that isn’t). <a href=“http://www.wtamu.edu/academics/college-business.aspx”>http://www.wtamu.edu/academics/college-business.aspx</a></p>
<p>Thanks so much for all of the replies! Helps out a lot!</p>
<p>What state do you live in? also how much can you afford to pay?</p>
<p>I live in Maine. And I’m not sure… I don’t come from a family with a lot of money if that’s the info you need…?</p>
<p>Look at University of Maine, they accept more than 80% of all applicants and shouldn’t cost you that much more than 20k a year, look to other public schools in Maine</p>
<p>Prepare thoroughly for the SAT. Start now, because a high SAT will offset your GPA for the universities you’ll be applying to - thus, increasing your chances: they’ll see a good SAT score, a good junior-senior GPA, and they’ll think “late bloomer” so they’ll look at you more favorably than if your grades go up and down and/or if your SAT is below 1500 (CR+M+W).
Aim for 1600-1700 (or more, why not?)
Use “Question of the Day”, ■■■■■■■■■■■■, KhanAcademy, Number2. All of these are free.
Stick to your plan: no more getting into trouble, getting A’s and B’s only.
With this and your counselor’s recommendation, you should be able to get into a 4-year university.
The second issue will be paying for college.
In a few months, once you have your junior year SAT results (make sure to take the test in the Spring at least once, and perhaps see if the ACT might be better suited to your learning style - colleges make no difference between one or the other), post another thread. We’ll give you ideas about financial aid, colleges where you can apply, etc.
In the meanwhile, three things you can do:
- visit a large public university, a liberal arts college, and a medium “regional” university. Try to take notes about what you like about each. When you go, make sure to sign up for the tour so that admissions have your name (sometimes, they will reward you in the Fall with an email inviting you to apply with the applicaiton fees waived).
- see with your guidance counselor if you qualify for fee waivers. There are guidelines. If you qualify, it means you can apply to college without having to pay the application fee, you can take the SAT and send the results without having to pay for it (only twice) and you can take the SAT Subjects (only twice) for free too. If you’re low-income, it’ll be very important for your college search to know that obstacles have been lifted.
- try reading America’s Best Colleges for B students, and/or The Princeton Review’s best Colleges. In the second book, don’t go for the obvious “big name” schools :). Go for schools in the South and the Midwest, where you’ll bring geographical diversity because you’re from far away :). Read about them and keep a list of those you like; then fill out their “request info” or “join the mailing list” form - they’ll send you nice brochures directly to your home and some will throw in a free app sometimes.</p>
<p>thanks a lot for all the quick and informative replies! Helps out a ton!! 
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