<p>My grades in my first of semester of high school aren't faring well in my opinion. I'm taking all the advanced classes in what those around me claim to be "a competitive high school" in my area. I aspire to go to really selective colleges, so I don't know what to do. Does anybody have any suggestions? Thanks.~</p>
<p>What helped me was to always always always always always no matter what have somebody compare/check your work. ALWAYS! </p>
<p>I befriended the smartest girls in my grade and they constantly peer reviewed each other when they weren’t laughing. We also had the teacher check our work every chance we got and asked a LOT of questions, even if they seemed trivial. But that is key. ALWAYS have someone (meaning your smart and intelligent friends and/or teacher) check your work. </p>
<p>As a junior who did horrible my freshman year, studying and getting help when needed is important. I never came to school freshman year and when I did, I was too embarrassed because I thought that my teachers would lecture me about not coming to school and I always felt like an idiot after those lectures. </p>
<p>The last two years have taught me to let teachers give you lectures (you should probably follow them) and missing school is only going to make your life hard in the long run. I have no idea why your grades aren’t faring well but that was my experience. If you tell us why your grades aren’t up to your standards (ex. your not studying, you cannot understand material, sickness, missing school, etc) than we may be better able to help you! </p>
<p>What state are you from? I’m from California and the GPA that the state colleges (UC and CSU) look at do not include your freshman GPA. Here is a list of colleges that don’t count freshman year GPAs or focus on sophomore and junior grades. (other posters can add more if they know others): </p>
<p>University of California Campuses (<a href=“University of California Counselors”>University of California Counselors)
California State University Campuses (<a href=“Cal State Apply | CSU”>Cal State Apply | CSU)
Stanford University (<a href=“Page Not Found : Stanford University”>Page Not Found : Stanford University)
McGill University (<a href=“http://www.mcgill.ca/applying/admissionsguide/standards/unitedstates”>http://www.mcgill.ca/applying/admissionsguide/standards/unitedstates</a>)</p>
<p>To be completely honest, however, some schools (like Stanford) may ‘‘focus our evaluation on your coursework and performance in 10th, 11th and 12th grades’’ but also focus on your class rank. Personally, that prevents me from ever attending Stanford as a freshman but if you can get your class rank in the top of your school, you may have a chance! </p>
<p>Focus on your second semester grades and then focus on your first semester grades during the summer. I’m not sure if your school allows it but see if you can retake classes during summer school/night school. I cannot give you advice on that because I’m not sure of your schools procedure so I’d ask your school counselor if I was you - that’s what they are there for! </p>
<p>Merry Christmas and I hope 2015 is your year! </p>
<p>Haha, thanks for the help!</p>
<p>In my first semester, for whatever reasons unbeknownst by me, I finished with a 3.6 GPA and a B+ in Advanced Algebra. I’m from the Midwest, but my city is considered competitive because of our city’s college. Most students in my school are children of professors from the university.</p>
<p>The problem is, I’m not sure what led me to such low grades. I have never skipped class on purpose, I talk to teachers when I need help, and I take all honors classes. I don’t know how I can improve next semester, but I really will try!</p>
<p>Do you suggest anything for my case? Please let me know!</p>
<p>Cheers! </p>