College admissions panic =(. It really is the end of the world.?

Question

I wonder if anyone feels the same. What is wrong with me? It seems like I've become completely obsessed with killing myself over the grades I had for Fresh, Sop. Junior year. There really isn't anything to be so proud about, I have high ambitions but I am my own biggest dissapointment. What if I don't even get accepted into State? My average GPA is a 3.2, I had a 2.5 overall last year, I'm not really happy. I feel sooooo insecure right now

Answer 1

Hey, I think we're in the same boat. I'm going to be a senior, and my GPA is around a 3.4-3.5, but I go to this insanely tough school and all my friends have 4.0's or close. I also feel like I didn't work hard enough the last three years?

But you know what? We both have to relax and stop beating ourselves up, because there's nothing we can do about it now. The first thing you should do is figure out what you CAN do about getting into college. First of all, make sure your senior schedule looks challenging - colleges think that's really important. Then, figure out how to "sell" yourself. I don't know how your state college's admission system works, but try to play up your good points in your application. If your SATs or ACTs are good - great! If not, try taking a prep class to get them up before the November sitting. If you do a lot of cool extra-curriculars or volunteering, or if you have a special talent, be sure to mention that. If you have teachers who like you, try to get good recommendations from them. If you've had issues that have prevented you from doing better, mention those as well. You might also consider looking into other schools as well as your state school: both other public schools with higher acceptance rates, and private schools which might be more willing to overlook your GPA in favor of, say, your fabulous essay. (The essay is another important thing you can do, by the way. If your school requires one, start early and make sure it's as good as it can possibly be.)

After all this is done, stop worrying until you get the decision and enjoy senior year, because fretting won't get you anywhere. Then, if you get in? Great. Rejoice! If not, well, it's not the end of the world. There's always another route - you can go to a less selective college or a community college, and transfer later, or you can do something totally different like join the Peace Corps or get an internship or a job. Ultimately, if you want something big and you're willing to try hard, you'll find your way to it, whatever college you go to. Going somewhere prestigious can make your life easier, but you'll still be able to do whatever you want without that. Plenty of brilliant and accomplished people flunked out or never went to college, while many Harvard grads go on to do a big fat...nothing. My history teacher went to Princeton and now he's stuck in a crappy public school making all of our lives miserable.

So, if possible, cheer up. GPA doesn't determine how good of a person you are, how successful you'll be, or even how smart you are. It just shows how good you are at getting good grades in classes (and believe me, I know people who would KILL to be getting a 3.2).

Speaking of which, your GPA has risen a ton, which shows that you're trying harder now - another thing colleges really love to see. So, don't despair and best of luck with your search. Let me know how it goes! :)

Answer 2

The only thing wrong with you is that you are panicking. That isn't good for you.

Make this year's grades as good as you can, without killing yourself.

Prep for the tests you'll be taking (there are a lot of books with practice tests in them). It's the combination of the tests with your GPA that determines what you'll be accepted to.

Even if you don't get into State (but you may want to look into their requirements to see -- 3.2 is probably enough), you can still get a 4-year degree by getting an AA at a Community College and transferring (it's cheaper, too).

You are not the only one feeling stressed over college. Commiserate with your friends.

Unlike many posters on this service, you wrote a coherent, grammatically correct question and blurb, so you've got that going for you.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Don't fret about what you've already done. Sure, a 2.5 is a bit low, but remember that junior year is the most difficult of the four years. And, if you don't get into State, so what? You've got so many opportunities to get into State in the future. If you don't make it in for freshman year, then you have so many places you can go to and transfer the next year. Consider how many colleges there are! You're going to be fine no matter what. But never give up.

Answer 4

With a 3.2 you should probably get in, although it really depends on what state youre in. In any case, its not all about grades, they will consider comm. service, extra curr. activities, talents, sat scores and whatnot, in any case. Good Luck

Answer 5

I think the biggest thing about getting admitted into college are your SAT scores. 3.0 or above willhelp a lot, but SAT is I think the biggest.

Answer 6

It's less of your GPA than it is how hard you try. If you tried hard, and your teachers know you tried hard, that's more important than your GPA. If you were involved with extracurricular activities, that's a plus. And stop worrying.

Answer 7

i got into college with an overall 2.25 gpa and not outstnading acheivements. stop stressing so much, its not healthy. and its not the end of the world. you will be fine. if i can do it you can too. good luck and blessed be.