QUESTION: During my freshman year I slacked off quite a bit and my GPA dipped to a 3.0. After noticing the horrible mistake I made, I've been desperately trying to get my GPA back up. Now it’s my senior year and my GPA is 3.4. I've been trying to boost my appearance to colleges by taking as many AP classes as I can, getting a 29 on the ACT, and by participating in extracurricular activities. I'm quite worried that my earlier mistakes will ruin my chances. Is there anything I can do? Signed, Worried about the Past
Dear Worried about the Past: First some perspective. Many students struggle to achieve a 3.0 GPA. You seem like a strong student who strives to succeed, and you did the right thing after the ninth grade to focus on bringing your grades up and take challenging courses. Colleges appreciate students who show improvement. As a senior, continue to work hard at your classes and raise your GPA. And, spend time planning, preparing, and completing your applications. Here are some tips:
1. Application form: Highlight your achievements, particularly academic ones to demonstrate that you are ready to take on college classes. Have you won any academic awards? Participated in any academic programs or projects? Some colleges provide a space to explain poor academic performance. We don’t think that your grades were low enough to need an explanation.
2. Essay: Think about writing an essay that demonstrates your academic potential. You could describe an academic project you worked on, what you’d like to study, or an academically challenging experience.
3. Evaluations: Select teachers to write your evaluations who know you well not only as a student but also as a person. By doing this, you will receive the most personal evaluations possible. Help them by providing background information on your accomplishments.
4. Interviews: Be ready to answer questions about your ninth grade performance if asked. Don’t make excuses, but be honest and straightforward when answering.
Realize that because you go through large changes in the ninth grade, such as adjusting to high school, some schools like Princeton don’t even take into account freshman grades. Spend time on your applications, get your parents or friends to edit your work, and you’ll get into a great school.
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