Currently a junior completing my first semester. I I’ve suffered depression since the end of hs but didn’t seek help until this semester. Then I had to go through seeing my best friend go in and out of mental hospitals for a severe mental breakdown two weeks before finals of last semester. I know these excuses won’t cut it in like an interview or anything and I know I didn’t work as hard as I could.
GPA is probably gonna drop further this semester…is there anything I can do to turn things around in these last 3 semesters that will make a noticeable positive impact on my GPA?
Note: I want to go into something finance-related, and I know cutoffs are like 3.5. I know it’s impossible to reach that, and have lowered my expectations, but wondering if I can pull off at least a 3.1-3.2.
Hey! I was in a similar situation during the start of my high school (freshmen-sophomore year) so although I was able to catch myself a bit earlier on, I know it is never too late for you!
There are PLENTY of things you can do to turn things around.
If you haven’t already found a club you are passionate about, go find one! The impact you can have in a club within just a few months is impeccable and I urge you now to find a club and stick to it until graduation.
Find a cause. Advocate for it. I’m not saying to go around trying to “save the world” or “cure cancer” just to get bonus points for college because that is bogus, but you can experience a lot of personal growth just by finding something you are passionate about outside of school and advocating and supporting it. Whether it’s volunteering or mentoring a younger student at your school, whatever it may be, become aware of your passions and find causes and experiences that match it
Take summer classes. I don’t know how your school may work with summer classes, but there are online schools such as APEX online or even Northwestern offers AP classes in the summer (with a charge unless you can get financial aid) and you can really up your GPA in just a few months and you could even use this to graduate early (if you are already on track to graduate)
Positive mindset. I know your question asked more on how to improve your GPA, but the truth is it may not go up drastically within the second semester, but that doesn’t mean it will not go up at all.
I just want you to know that although we may not know each other, you are more than your situation and you will go FAR!! Just believe in yourself and this cliche saying because I promise you that you will find a great college!
I’m sorry with what happened to your friend and what you are going through, but you HAVE to pull through and kick some a$s! You can do it!!