Hi everyone, I’m a high school junior now and I’m really conflicted on what a realistic college would be for me. My freshman year was kinda rough, and my sophomore year was pretty much the same. I think my gpa was a 2.8 which is absolutely horrid, I’m aware. I’ve always struggled in math to the point where it was recommended that I get tested for dyscalculia because I don’t have a problem in any other subject. Anyways, this year has been a lot better for me (2 AP’s and all honors except for math, of course). I used a calculator and it says that my weighted gpa is a 3.7, unweighted it’s a 3.3. I’m also involved in some school activities (assistant editor of the yearbook, newspaper club, book club, varsity cheering/tennis, tech crew) if that helps at all. I haven’t been able to take the SAT yet because of the coronavirus. Other than that, I truly have no idea what colleges to look into, or which ones would even consider me. I was thinking community college or maybe some high acceptance rate colleges near me? I wouldn’t mind going to any of those, but I’ve been wishing to go to a college in New York for a long time. I know it’s stupid, especially since in state schools are way cheaper, so please don’t lecture me on it. I’m open for any suggestions for schools in Pennsylvania or New York. Let me know if you guys have any ideas for me!
What is your cumulative unweighted GPA, core courses only?
Does you HS use Naviance or Scoir?
I have no idea but I’ll be emailing my guidance counselor to ask.
You can calculate your GPA yourself. Take you core courses: Eng, SS, Sci, Math, FL. Use a 4-pt scale (A+/A/A- = 4 and so on), add up the points based on grades in each semester (most common HS calendar), divide by the number of core courses.
Did you take the PSAT? What was your score?
What is your budget for college? Meaning what can/will your family pay for college, per year?
Your GPA isn’t horrible and showing an upward tend is great. Also, when it come time to apply maybe your counselor can explain in his/her some of your issues in math and how you worked hard to overcome them.
I agree though that knowing what your family is willing to spend each year is VERY important. Then when you start looking at specific school look at the “net price calculator” on their website to see how it fits financially. Don’t get your heart set on a school that you can’t afford thinking it will just somehow work out.
Don’t worry, you’re not the only person who sucks at math. I probably suck at it worse than you. And it doesn’t mean you’re forced to start at community college. You have excellent grades. I’ll say one thing, though…it’s not generally worth paying the high tuition going to an expensive private school. Those schools get far more credit than they deserve. 80-90% of high school graduates choose an in-state school. Kids going to private and out of state schools represent a small minority…because of parents with money. Just stick to an affordable school. You don’t owe anyone an explanation.
I would like to know more about your interests.
If I were looking into college in NY and was unsure of my credentials, I’d start with Manhattan College.
@Laura1010 do you know what you want to study, or do you have an intended career path? That, along with budget would be the most helpful to give you a meaningful list.
It’s not stupid to want to go to college in NY if you can find the right schools which you can afford.
Look into CUNYs and SUNYs! They’re not as expensive as private universities, and generally don’t need super super high stats. Then again, you need to consider your own budget and do research on that because what could be affordable for one person may not be for another.
I also agree with Tigerwife92 above. Start by deciding what your intended major(s) is first, which can help you narrow down on certain schools that are good for it. If you find some schools that seem fitting, look into the usual range of scores/GPA of admitted students. There are good forums here on CC where people post their stats/ECs which can help you find some colleges too.