kissoflife

As of right now I have a list of 6 colleges I'm interested in applying to, including my safety, which is my state school. Junior year, my grades dropped significantly and so far senior year looks even worse. The colleges on my list are rather competitive and I feel like I've slowly ruining any chance I might have. Also, because I'm struggling so much with school and other aspects of my life, I'm not so sure if I'm prepared enough to handle an academically rigorous environment or to go to school out of state. My dad has also expressed similar doubts too. I'm considering chucking my list and just applying to my state school, which I'm pretty positive I will get to, and going there. If I get my act together, then maybe I can transfer out. Maybe I'll even end up loving it there and end up staying (but I doubt that LOL). What do you think?

M's Mom

Don't rule out the possibility of a gap year if you are struggling and unsure of your direction. Take a look at The Gap Year Advantage by Karl Haigler and Rae Nelson. Talks about where you can find hundreds of great opportunities and how to pay for it as well. A year off may be just what you need to refocus and colleges find this very appealing if you do something constructive with your time.

Erin's Dad

If a gap year doesn't appeal to you then your plan makes a great deal of sense. And as you stated, you can always transfer to a more academically challenging school if you feel it's necessary.

kissoflife

A gap year is definitely out of the question because I really want to go to college next year and also because my parents wouldn't allow that. Thanks to you guys I feel much better about going to my state school and I'm going to talk with my dad to double check if that is ok with him.

siliconvalleymom

You are only halfway through this semester! I think it's too early to resign yourself to poor grades this fall. What is going wrong? Do you need to get additional support in one (or more) of your classes?

limabeans

Sorry to see you're struggling and it's still only halfway through the first semester! This is a tough time to have these problems.

About next year, keep in mind one thing about transferring: no FA. Will that be an issue? If so, a gap year would be much better.

kissoflife

siliconvalleymom, I've been struggling with depression and anxiety for some time now and it's been really hard for me to stay motivated, but I'm being proactive about it, and I've been seeing a therapist. Also, in my math and science classes I think I need extra help like maybe seeing my teachers before/after school or getting a tutor. I guess I know what I need to do; it's just getting myself to actually ask for the help that's hard.

ny mom

Asking for help here is a great start! I applaud you for even being on these boards. My daughter has only looked here for some advice a few times. It will all work out and a year from now, you will be a freshmen at a school I bet you will love