QUESTION: You seem to know your fair share about getting into college. Riddle me this. I am a pretty smart guy who recently took the PSAT and scored 650 on verbal and 550 on math. I know that I can improve these scores before I take the SAT in May. I also am very active in my community and am president of my local Jewish youth group. But here's the problem. Due to slacking off and just not taking high school seriously, I currently have a 2.2 GPA. I hope to bring this up to at least a 2.6 by the end of the year. I know I can get into college, but do I have a good chance of getting into a school such as UMD-College Park or Tulane University? Signed, Praying in Pennsylvania

Dear Praying: Ah, if you could only reverse time and get serious about your grades at the start of high school. Your grades are on the low side for applying to selective colleges like UMD-College Park and Tulane. But this does not mean that you don't have a chance.

To show the colleges your academic might, you already know that you need to focus on your classes now to bring your GPA up as well as score as high as possible on the SAT. Remember that Advanced Placement (AP) test scores and SAT Subject test scores can also bolster your academic standing. In addition, you can demonstrate that you are ready for the academic rigors of colleges through your application, essay and teacher recommendations.

By hitting the books hard and spending time on your applications, we think you have a chance.

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