Am I smart enough?

Question

I want to go to a good college...I've slacked off all through high school, I've got a 2.833 GPA, but I still want to go to a good college. I feel like I would be letting people close to me down if I didn't get into a good college at this point. The only things I've got going for me at this point are the fact that I'm a really good trombone player (I intend for trombone performance to be my major) and I made a 29 on my ACT test. What are my chances of getting into a really good college?

Answer 1

First off, it is a myth that Einstein had bad grades in school. He was an A/B student.

Second, looks like you could probably get into any state university. Many of the state schools are great and would really prepare you for grad school or work. Consider looking at those.

Answer 2

If I were you, I would work hard to bring the GPA up to at least a 3.0. Even if you're the best trombone player in the world, and do great on standardized tests, that's probably not going to be good enough to get into a top tier school, I'm afraid. Schools will look at your 2.8 GPA and question your work ethic and how well you apply yourself. You should also start lining up some good letters of reference who might also counteract some of the damage your low GPA will likely do.

Another thing to think about - I'm not sure what the job market is like for trombone players, but you might want to reevaluate your choice in major, or at least minor in something else as a back-up.

Good luck!

Answer 3

It is never impossible to get into a good college. You just have to work at it. Even if you don't get into what you deem a good college now, you can always transfer. In fact, that might be a better option. State schools and Community colleges are cheaper than private colleges. You can also use a semester or year to prove your worth, so to speak. Once you've proven that you can be a solid student, apply for a better school and your chances will have increased considerably for acceptance.

I did okay in high school and college. I also slacked off in college and had an inadequate GPA. I however, decided I wanted to get a Masters degree and had to prove my worth. Once I did, I was accepted and now have my MA in English Lit.

There are always second chances, you just have to show you are up to the challenge.

Answer 4

If you really want something you will go for it and try your best to get it. You sound like a smart kid that knows what his realities are. There are a lot of good schools out there! Einstein was horrible in school..yet he proves to be one of the smartest people ever known. So don't let your grades bother you too much. Try and pick them up now so that colleges can see that you DO really want this and that you are WILLING to change a big part of yourself to get what you want. They look for passion, and I think you've got it. You just have to find a way to show it in the right ways. Colleges look at you senior year as well, so pull those grades up! Study on the bus! In some classes homework is what makes or breaks the grade..so do it! Show everyone you will put forth your best effort. Any improvement is a good one. Surround yourself with people smarter than yourself too.

Good Luck!
I'm in the process of college hunting too..sucks, doesn't it?


to the person who commented about einstein below me:

"Although he excelled in the mathematics and science part of entrance examinations for the Federal Polytechnic Institute in Zurich, today the ETH Zurich, his failure of the liberal arts portion was a setback."
(He wasn't good at liberal arts..aka English and History.)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Einstein

Answer 5

Your best bet may be to attend a community college for a year or two and get those grades up to be able to transfer to the campus of your choice. You can always tell the people close to you that you are being practical and saving money (it's a wise financial investment). While at the community college, continue with your music, get involved in student government (or whatever campus activities interest you) and get those grades up. You'll have many more choices as a result. All the best to you.

Answer 6

if you're a junior, i would think about taking 1 or 2 junior college classes after school or during the summer bc they really boost up your gpa.
if you're a senior, you should still apply to colleges cuz i dont think that ur gpa is horribly low (u still have a chance) and if you dont get in, junior colleges for the first 2 yrs works just as well (you save lots of money and get your gen. ed done) and then you can transfer.

Answer 7

I'd like to start by saying I support you. It's good that you're not giving up on yourself, bute you have to be willing to accept that there's a lot of work ahead of you. You shouldn't think in terms of 'good' or 'bad' colleges, for the most part, you'll get the same education no matter where you go, as tests tend to be standardized. Go to a community college to get your career started, then with a 2-year degree you can support yourself if you still wish to pursue a higher education at a university.

Answer 8

2.833?! Is this on a 4.0 scale? If it's a 3.0, no problem, apply and keep applying. If it's a 4.0, go to a state school like the rest of us.

Answer 9

There is no such thing as a "bad" college. Just "bad" students. If you earn a college degree from most any college, you will be accomplishing something. How do you define a good college anyway?

Answer 10

truth :not good