Can I still raise my GPA to a 4.0?

Question

I'm a highschool freshman currently in the middle of the 1rst quarter of 2nd semester. Unfortunately, my grades 1st semester were pretty abysmal (for reasons I'd rather not talk about) and have left me with a pathetic 3.0 GPA. I really, really want to do better, so that I can go to a very good university. I'm living in the U.S, and I go to a public school with a pretty good reputation. My 'dream' schools are Oxford University, University of London, and NYU; but considering my current academic record, they all look very out of reach. Is it possible that I can raise my GPA? I know I'm going to have to work very hard, but what should I do to make getting into any of these schools (especially Oxford, but that's probably pushing it..) possible?

This is the grade value system at my school for calculating GPA:
A=4
B=3
C=2
D=1
F=0

And for weighted classes (enriched, AP, etc.)...
A=5
B=4
C=3
Ds and Fs don't get weighted credits.
I am in one weighted class now, and will have at least 1 or 2 every school year.

Answer 1

You can raise your GPA to a 4.0 weighted, but it is technically not possible to get a 4.0 unweighted. If you get a 4.0 this semester and take the same amount of classes, you will have a 3.5. If you have a 4.0 next year for both semesters, you will have a 3.75.
As a teacher, I know there are many other factors to consider that can help you out.
First of all, take alot of Honors and AP classes. Make sure you are involved in plenty of productive activities outside the classroom, because they will also be noted. For example, being the editor for the school newspaper is more important then being a second string athlete on the soccer team.
Here is another thing to keep in mind: be nice to your teachers even if you don't like them! They will eventually write you recommendations, which will be very important. Personally, I will go out of my way to help someone who shows outstanding effort and is cooperative in the classroom.
Make sure you prepare for admissions exams you will have to take during your junior year. Most teachers and colleges know that a 3.2 at one school might require the same effort that would achieve a 3.7 at another school. Some teachers are easy graders, and other may challenge you more but give lesser grades. Exams like SAT and ACT give you a chance to compete with other students on an equal playing field. There are alot of prep programs available, and if you can't afford them, there are books and software you can purchase so you can practice on your own.
Don't worry too much about your first semester GPA (my first semester of high school was my worst). It is a time to get adjusted to the rigors of high school. So, good luck!

Answer 2

Sure if you take 2 AP classes every year and get an A in every class for the rest of the time you are high school you could still get an A average. However, be aware that colleges also look at your references, volunteer and school activities, and SAT scores. It is not all about grades. Getting an A average is a noble goal but make sure it is not going to burn you out. Rather do well in classes (even if that means graduating with a 3.5 or 3.75) and be a well rounded student.

Answer 3

Yes, you can definitely raise your GPA by working hard, but it may never reach a 4.0 because your GPA is an average and the only way to have an exact 4.0 is to have As in every single class you've ever taken. However, when colleges get your transcript, in addition to GPA they look at your individual grades, and colleges are supposed to be more concerned with grades your sophomore and especially your junior year than grades from your freshman year. Not that your freshman grades don't matter, but colleges realize that that's your first year of high school and you do improve as you get older.

Answer 4

Yes it is definitely possible to raise your GPA from a 3.0 to a 4.0 but as you said you will have to work very hard. Make sure that you get all your assignments in on time in all your classes, do your best on big projects, take good notes, and study as hard as you can for 1st and 2nd semester final exams. Most of the best universities like Oxford, University Of London, Standford, and Harvard have what people call "Selective Admissions". This means that you have to be in the top 5% of your graduating class in order for them to accept you. You do not nessicarly have to have a 4.0 GPA in order to get accepted from what I have heard you can have a 3.8 and still get in. It just depends on your report card and how many different grades you have. Make sure that you do not get any D's or F's on your report cards as that will almost ruin your hopes of getting accepted. Make sure that you take and get good grades in all of the core classes Math, Science, English, and History all years through High School which is four years of each. They will also look to see if you have participated in any extraculluriar activities. Also do your best on the SAT and ACT as they will look at those final net composite scores as well. I wish you luck in following this very good but hard to reach ambition.

Answer 5

Here's the coolest thing - a gpa calculator I found online:
http://www.back2college.com/gpa.htm

My son had a pretty good gpa in school, but the thing that made the difference to his college applications was that he was active in school and the community. Most important, he had leadership experiences. He was accepted in all schools and had scholarships from every one of them. They weren't on the caliber of Oxford, but are well-respected. One thing my daughter did was to attend robotics camps during the summer and volunteered at a nursing home, playing music at dinner for the residents (violin & piano).

You need to make sure you present a well-rounded application to your school choices. Talk to your guidance counselor and set yearly goals. Talk to the universities and current students to find out what they are interested in when looking at candidates.

One thing I advised my own kids & I think you should consider is that life is more than a great gpa! : )
Don't forget to have fun and enjoy your time in high school.

Best of luck - hope this helps!

Answer 6

I don't think you can. Unless you take a lot of the enriched places and get all As if those really are weighted at 5.0. 4.0 represents a perfect A record and since you've already had less than that it will be difficult if not impossible.

Answer 7

i am in the same position but i think you still could if you are taking honors classes. the Gpa is raised with honors courses .5 for my school

Answer 8

i don't know of anyway to get a cumulative GPA of 4.0, but you could get a 4.0 this semester and raise your cumulative GPA a good bit.

Answer 9

whoever told you to "shoot for the stars" was wrong. you have no business at oxford or any of the above listed universities.
part of academic excellence is striving for said excellence even when it is impossible. this is what colleges look for. by all means, try to raise your GPA, but i would aim for one of the lower-level colleges or universities. stay out of the ivies.