I didn't do my best in my first few years of college. Is there any way to 'reset' or 'start over'?

Question

I goofed off my first 2 years of college and my grades reflect it but I finally know what I want to do with my life and I want to get serious with my studies. I'm afraid with my academic history I won't be able to pursue my career of choice. Is there any way to start over with a clean slate academically?

Answer 1

Bad News: You cannot erase the grades you have received. They are yours for life.
Good news: You woke up and realized that you were screwing yourself over before it was too late. What has to happen is, you have to totally change your grades. The transcript you hand an employer has to show a dramatic shift from bad grades to uniformly good grades. And to get a decent GPA you will have to take maybe an extra year as an undergraduate before you leave school. Maybe you should consider changing your major or even changing schools. THat way the shift would be even more noticeable.

To get into a decent grad school you have to get your GPA up over 3.0 at the bare minimum. Preferably 3.5. That is going to be tough. But if you want it bad enough, you will do it. Good luck!

Answer 2

I'm a junior in college who's pretty much in the same situation. My gpa is 2.81, so I'm hoping to get it to @ least a 3.3 by summer 2008 (my graduation). Anyway, have you started the classes that are specific to your major? If not, work VERY HARD in these classes b/c you can put your major gpa on your resume along with your overall gpa. And your major gpa is what's most important. Even if you've already started the courses in your major, still work hard b/c it will show employers that you have iniative and you're good @ the stuff that really matters.