How can I save my GPA?

Question

I've screwed up. I've gotten pretty awful grades so far in high school. I'm a junior now [11th grade.] My grades were mediocre for first quarter - 4 As, 2 Bs, and a D. :( I'm really trying harder, but my cumulative GPA right now is a 3.0 at the very best. I only have the remains of this year and the next one [not as important] to get my GPA into shape for college applications. I have a horribly unrealistic dream of studying English at Cambridge. My SAT scores should be fine, and I'm almost certain I can get the 5/5/4 minimal AP requirement, but I really don't know if I can cut it.

I really wish the admissions were still based on entrance exams and an interview alone. I want to go so badly.

Is there anything I can do to increase my chances? Any way to pad my GPA?

Answer 1

How about starting with a community college for two years, then transferring to a good school in this country for the last two and doing extremely well. Then you could be looked at for graduate school at Cambridge. You can't "fix" your GPA quickly enough for next year's college applications.

Answer 2

I don't think there's anyway you can do to increase that GPA of yours but to keep doing well in you core classes. And you say that next year isn't important...it very well is so! Junior year and senior year are both important. Sophomore year I guess could factor in, but admission committees don't really focus on freshman year. Senior year is going to be important, because most people who get accepted to their choice colleges tend to skive off their studies and do poorly, thinking that their grades no longer matter since they are already accepted . That's why all colleges ask for final transcripts, because they sure as heck will kick you out if your final grades as not up to par with the grades that you had when you applied. But the idea about community college that someone above suggested is not so bad...but I'm pretty sure you think that you're above that as did I when I was applying to colleges last year. But really, good luck with everything.

Answer 3

I think you can take some summer classes to boost your GPA. Ask your school guidance counselor. I know they're really busy, but if you don't have time to see her face-to-face to ask, put a note in her mail box. If you really want to impress good colleges, you'll want to have some advanced classes like AP or IB. Sometimes they'll give you a weighted GPA on those classes.