I want to go to college, but I did horribly in 9th and 10th grade. Am I still able to go?

Question

I passed 9th grade but I did badly on my school work and barely passed with a 73 percentile. I failed 10th grade, but when my mother moved me out to California to change my attitude, instead of keeping me as a sophomore like Texas was going to do, they put me as a junior. So, now I go to a continuation high school, and I'm doing well. Before I got out to California, I knew I wasn't going to be able to go to college, but since I been at my school, I've changed my attitude and I actually want to go to college.

My GPA in 9th grade was 1.7
10th grade was .7
11th grade it jumped to 2.8

If I get all of my required stuff out of the way before I graduate and keep my grades way above 90 percentile like I have been, do you think the college(s) will overlook freshman and sophomore years?

In 9th & 10th grades, I've never had an A, and rarely a B, but since I've gone to this continuation high school (some people think since I go to a continuation high school, they will turn their heads away from me when I apply to a college, but I don't listen to them)

Since I've gone to this school, I've had A's and mostly B's. I actually care about school now and I'm willing to learn, and not be like all the other stoners at my school.

I planned on going to a junior college or a community college first, because I read on the internet that colleges prefer that than just going out and applying directly after high school. So if I get me a job during my senior year of high school, earn enough money to pay the tuition at a local community college--get my credit hours in line, and maybe like, 25-30 hours of community service, and put that on my application to college, it will give me a higher chance on attending a college.

Am I missing a critical part of that whole situation?

Answer 1

As long as you complete high school, you can apply to any college. Some schools may be more selective than others.
Your cumulative GPA through all 4 years of High school would have an impact for scholarships.
If major universities give you a hard time, and even have difficulty getting into State schools (ie The UT University of Texas system or Texas Tech system), try going to community college for 30-60 credit hours and then enroll as a "transfer" student from one college to another.

You should also check with local colleges and talk directly with the deans of departments or with the Admissions offices, they will be more than welcome to give advice as well as policies specifically with their campuses,

Answer 2

YES. In America, there are always second chances! I doubt you'll get any scholarships, but you can attend a two year college first. Two year colleges do not care about your scores as much. Then, the university will be more likely to use your college grades to accept your transfer than your high school because it was the last thing you did. Get good grades in community college and really apply yourself. Then, you should do alright in your choices for transfer schools. You probably won't go to Harvard, but you do have a chance at a decent university if you just start over and try again.

Answer 3

I think you still have a chance into getting into a State University, so you should probably apply to a few (like 4) to see if you get into any one of them. Otherwise yes, you have the right idea about going to a community college and then transferring after two years, I would suggest that during that time you complete the GE requirements for the school you are planning to transfer to. But don't forget that regardless of where you decide to go, you should always apply for financial aid no matter your financial situation. And regarding the community service you should do some but remember that joining programs that will help you transfer to a cal state or university are very important so as soon as you decide where you are going to start on your journey you should contact that school via phone or e-mail and see if they have any programs, tutoring services, financial aid services, etc. And remember there is always fastweb.com and loans if you don't get enough grant (free) money for school. Also very important take the SAT I and II and for the SAT I try to score above a 1200 (overall). Make sure you complete the A-G requirements even if it means going to summer school. Look over the page of CSUN to give you a hint at what cal states are requiring.
http://www.csun.edu/a&r/apply/applyftf.html

Answer 4

You should probably start with 2 years of Community College. They will accept anyone, and it will give you time to raise your GPA. Also, community colleges teach the same courses you need anyway for half the price. Some of the University professors usually teach part time at the JC's as well. Just keep focused. If you're doing so poorly in a structured environment like high school, college might prove to be a little bit of a challenge. Just set your goals and stick to them. Good luck.

Answer 5

Colleges don't look at each individual year. They just look at the average of all four years. I didn't do the best my freshman or sophmore year and then in 11th and 12th grade i got good grades and ended up with a decent gpa and got into the school i wanted so just try and get really good grades from now on and you will be fine...also they average in your scores from your SAT or ACT with your GPA so if you do well on them you will for sure be ok. They don't just look at one or the other.

Answer 6

Absolutely!!!

I Screwed off my Freshman and Sophmore years. Heck, I don't remember my 10th grade year...

It will affect your ability to get scholarships, but- You can repair damage done in your Junior and Senior years.

Also- the military will pay for your Degree - and it's a great option if you need discipline. You can join the National Guard at 17yrs old and as a HS Junior. You can serve and be a student at the same time...

Answer 7

Whoever says that you can't is an idiot. People have succeeded in much worse odds than yourself. Miraculous improvement is much more admirable than steady solid grades in my opinion. Worst-case scenario, you might have to start at a junior college. Which is fine, it's cheaper. But stay strong, don't let anyone bring you down, and you can do anything you set your mind to. Good luck

Answer 8

There is a good chance they will. They do look at overall GPA, but pay close attention to improvements. If you are able, you should also do some community service, or student leadership type efforts. That looks good as well.

Answer 9

yea u still can go, jus really got to find a college that will accept u, my grades wasnt as bad as urs but i was that kids that hung in the halls and skip class and ran from teacher all the way till the end of my 12 grade year and im in college

Answer 10

after high school you might consider a community college they dont tend to have strict entrance requirements, and if you work hard, when u transfer to a major university, they should consider you. But your focus in community college is GRADES GRADES GRADES show them that you change since high school, and they should consider you.