I started out pretty bad freshman year in high school. I averaged a 2.9 at the end of 9th grade. Wasn’t good but I wasn’t in a deep hole.
Then I transferred to a better school for academics mostly. But I haven’t been doing my best so far sophomore year. The first quarter, I finished with a 2.2 GPA, and the second quarter, I finished with a 2.2 also. Its not that I’m dumb, its just that I haven’t been trying because I’m not motivated. Beginning of third quarter so far I am at a 2.0… I know, not impressive. I realize I need to step it up and turn it around or else the consequences will come.
Is it too late to turn it around??? I am trying to get A’s from here on out and if that means trying harder than I will. If I get mostly A’s will I still have a good chance of getting into schools like University of Minnesota or University of Madison Wisconsin?? This is my motivation for trying to get good grades and really turning it around.
What are my chances of still getting into a good college if I get really good grades and step it up end of sophomore year and junior and senior year of high school, because I know that I have dug myself a hole.
It’s never too late to turn it around. Some schools will overlook a rough start if you show you figured out what needs to be done. Others may be more stats oriented and those years will weigh you down.
Try to prepare for the SAT or ACT if you feel your grades aren’t representative of your ability. I can’t help with those particular schools, though. Check the threads here on CC and look at their CDS.
Hopefully you have annual physicals. Be sure to mention your grades to your doctor, you ought to be screened for any conditions that could be affecting your energy and motivation. On the psychological front, you might see if your parents have insurance coverage so you can be screened for conditions such as ADHD or depression.’
But, barring a treatable cause, I think you’re kidding yourself here. Promises about future behavior are easy to make but harder to keep as all the people who made New Year’s resolutions to exercise/diet/quit smoking can attest. Pledging that you’ll suddenly turn a corner for a reward 2 years or more off is unlikely to motivate you or anyone else enough to make a difference. I mean you might decide now is different and burn with a new motivation to study and work hard, but this zeal probably won’t last more than a few weeks.
This is kinda the final nail. Your motivation is external, a reward someone gives you. You aren’t the kind of kid that wants to excel because of pride in performing well, a joy of learning, a curiosity about the world. It’s the reward you get for doing it, and the day you decide you may not get that reward or that it isn’t worth it after all is the day you throw in the towel on working hard in school. Spend a little time on the web looking up internal vs external motivation and you’ll see what I mean.
I agree with getting a physical and speaking honestly with your doctor and your parents about getting testing to see if there might be something else going on that impacts your focus, ability to get assignments in on time, things like that.
It is never too late to make positive changes in your life! So yes, work hard, strive to get the best grades you can get, ask teachers for help, talk to them about your college dreams, take time to research your top choices, and learn what grades, test scores, you need to be a qualified applicant, then figure out how you’ll make this a reality. Take time to pursue your passions, stick with the things you commit to, don’t flake out, be a good person. Don’t ever listen to anyone who says you can’t make changes and better yourself. You can! Believe in yourself, and you can do anything you set your mind to. Just remember good grades don’t come easily to most students. Successful students work very very hard to earn good grades. Good luck!
Never too late! Also colleges will see that you are doing better in harder classes which is a plus.
Try to think why you haven’t done well. Is that you don’t do homework or study? Family issues? Too busy with sports? Illness? Mental Illness? Learning disorder?
A “good” college is one that takes you at the point you’re at and elevates you. One where you can earn the degree you want. One where you’ll be happy living and learning for four years. One that will leave you in a position to either go to graduate school or to take your place in the profession/career of your choice.
There are thousands of good colleges out there that you’ve probably never heard of. You’re only a sophomore… lots and lots of time to generate a list of those colleges that are uniquely “good” for you.
I second the advice given here, both in terms of checking in with a doctor AND in recognizing that the definition of “good” with regard to colleges should be viewed expansively and creatively. My DD was a solid C student in 9th and 10th grades. Toward the end of sophomore year, she was diagnosed with a learning disability and worked hard at addressing its challenges. Knowing there was something to address was important–she went from thinking “Oh, I’m just not a strong student” to thinking there was something she could take control of to do better. In 11th grade, by dint of will (and the help of tutors), she pulled her grades up to mainly Bs. This past semester as a senior, she got an A- in every class, except for one B+. She has gotten into 4 colleges so far which would fit her well and in which I think she could thrive, and is waiting on several more decisions. I can’t speak to the particular schools you are interested in, but I am a firm believer in the statement “There is a college out there for everyone.” It is important to find one not only that will accept you, but where you will be able to do the work and succeed. Good luck to you!