Bad Grades Freshman/Sophomore Year

tsbna44
Fri, 13 Aug 2021 03:10:08 +0000

I think it depends on the school. I think a lot of people assume these things are read. I’ve talked to a professor at a prestigious school who’s served on an admissions committee and they told me half the essays aren’t even read because they eliminated the student on GPA/ACT - even though they are “holistic”. Schools would tell you they all are.

If you want to put an explanation, add it to the additional info box. Learning issues are common - so i’m sure it’s fine. But generally, I don’think it’s good to add things that others might see as a negative. They may feel bad for you - but pass you on to the next school. But ADHD is very common, so probably fine.

Your 5 AP tests - does your school offer ample APs or few APs? In other words, if it offers many and you took a few, you have rigor…but lack the rigor of top schools. If they only offer 5 and you took them all, you get a pass.

I have no doubt you’ll have great opportunities and again strive for those you want. Just have targets and safeties and know what those are. I think you’re giving your ACT too much credit. It can definitely help you earn merit aid though.

5 safeties are great - but you probably don’t need that many. A safety has to be somewhere you would be proud to attend.

Many kids attend schools that aren’t the most prestigious they got into - both my kids in fact. Some choose for location, money, or otherwise.

Not sure if money is an issue - or you’ll get aid. For those that don’t get aid, your parents may still not want to spend $80K a year.

So you don’t want to be in the midwest - I’ll just say, schools like Evanville and Bradley (assuming you want small/mid) will tell you up front your offer.

You may look at schools like UVM, Trinity (small - but in the capital), College of Charleston (govt. hub although not the capital), Denver, SMU, or Truman State for mid size.

If you want a small school, the Colleges that Change Lives - Beloit, Kalamazoo, Hendrix (will match a state flagship for the right candidate), Dickinson or any # of LACs.

Or state flagships - I wouldn’t eliminate your school as money matters. And you have the MSEP to help save money. And you can find great public schools - large and medium.

You’re cryptic with info…but hope that helps.