I am currently in my first semester of junior year in high school. So far this year, I have all A’s and plan to continue to keep it that way throughout the rest of my high school and, hopefully, college career. I currently have a 3.3 GPA due to mainly straight B’s in every class except my electives, which I have made A’s in, and 1 C my freshman year in World Geography. My schedule for sophomore, junior, and senior year have been almost exclusively all core honors classes. I am also taking two AP classes next year as a senior. It worries me I will not even be recognized by colleges due to my low GPA and my not so good freshman year. I just need some advice on where to apply for college, how to get my GPA up to AT LEAST a 3.5, and just how to survive applying for college. Any words of wisdom would be much appreciated.
As a start, try USNWR’ s “A-Plus Schools for B Students.” There’s no need to limit yourself to this list, but you should know that these and other good colleges would love to see your application. Promise.
It isn’t just the A-average kids that go to college. About 1/3 of US adults have a 4-year degree. Do you think they all had A averages in HS? You need to focus on finding colleges, public and private (depending on finances) that are likely to admit you.
What state are you a resident of? Have you spoken with your parents about what they might be able to afford?
I would also recommend taking a look at the colleges discussed in the “Colleges That Change Lives” book or website. There are some great ones there that wouldn’t simply overlook a student because of a B average.
Most colleges are thrilled to get students with “straight Bs with a sprinkle of As.” Especially if they have earned those grades in a rigorous curriculum and demonstrate an upward trend in GPA. Don’t waste too much money on the Dartmouths and Cornells of the world and you should have a wide variety of colleges bidding for your attendance.