NimbleNerd

Hi, Im a Junior and I have a GPA of 3.4, I'm currently taking AP US History, AP English 3, Math Models (I didn't want to take PreCal my senior year-I regret it now), French 2, Laws of Criminal Justice, Housing, Chemistry ( I took Integrated Physics and Chemistry last year), and Yearbook II - My class rank is Top 20% as of last year, I've moved to a new school so I'm not sure what I am here. I am in Key Club, French Club, Career Club, I volunteer at Cancer Care Services, and random events like the Water Baloon Palooza (was a "conserving water" event ) I have a few questions -


(a) What would you suggest to improve my GPA (besides getting better grades)?

(b) What should I do outside of school to look great for college?

(c) If I was to apply for an Ivy League school (I am not, but I still want to work as hard as if I was going to ), what would I need to do to get a chance at qualifying?

(d) Any extra advice? Like internships to try, where to get references, and what not?

Thanks a lot! I really need some guidance from people who know. I already look back and feel like pulling my hair our for the mistakes I made. I don't want to keep feeling like that.

NimbleNerd

Is there any help, at all?

fogfog

The guidance office at our sons school says

Do what you love- meaning get involved in sports, extra curriculars and volunteer things your enjoy. Follow your passion.

Take classes that are the most challenging courses you can--and do your best work
prepare for your PSAT and SAT

Take your SAT the first time Jr yr spring--because you will be better prepared and take the APs and SAT2s the spring of Jr yr that fit your curriculum.

Find your voice in your essays...

Cast a wide net when looking at schools- there are many roads to get you where you want to go

Research the schools, look at the majors, the depts and so on...it is possible that a school on your list will not actualy be the best fit for the course of study you want to pursue.

Read The Admissions Mystique. Have your parents read it too ;o)



Good luck.

Yurtle

Buy Harry Bauld's On Writing the college admissions essay.

I actually have a really LONG list of things you should do if you want to pm me for it.

mom2collegekids

>>>>
(a) What would you suggest to improve my GPA (besides getting better grades)?
<<<

That's like asking...How can I improve my salary without making more money?.


You need to study, study, study to bring up your grades. With a 3.4 junior year, you can't bring it up high enough for ivies. Many schools don't use senior year grades to determine admission.

However, if you bring your grades up this year, many colleges will like seeing that "upward trend" of rising grades.

You will still have plenty of good school choices....so don't think you have no hope...

What is your financial situation...that, more than grades, can limit your choices at this point.

Mr. A

I agree, I have heard that colleges like upward trends more than straight A's but that doesn't mean get a couple of Bs if you have As already.

NimbleNerd

Thank you for the help, and as far as financial situation - I will be depending on scholarships and grants...

mom2collegekids

Since you need financial aid (grants/loans) and scholarships, that is going to most determine the best schools for you.

The main reason is that many schools don't give good aid. (so those wouldn't be good choices. )

What is your parents' income? How much can they pay each year towards your college costs? You need to determine what their EFC will be.

NimbleNerd

Well, my mother is a P.O. making somewhere around 30,000 a year - but recently she was just promoted to Supervisor with a salary increase. So, I'm not sure anymore.

mom2collegekids

Well, even if she got a "big raise" - she probably is still earning low enough for you to qualify for some aid - even a $10k raise would mean that she wasn't earning a lot.

How many are in your family?

Does anyone know what the cutoffs are for grants? Is it by family size?

NimbleNerd

There are six of us...