Q. I'm a fairly smart person, but I pretty much blew off my first three years of high school. My job—and hanging out with friends—were a lot more important to me than studying. When I took the SAT, my score was way above average. I'm afraid my low GPA and high test score looks really bad to admissions counselors—like I'm smart but kind of lazy. I guess that was true in the past, but now I want to go to college! Have I ruined my chance at getting into a good school? What can I do to show admissions people that I'm different now?
A. It's good you're taking responsibility for your actions and acknowledging that you neglected your studies for other things. Now that you know you want to go to college, there's still hope. Starting now, make the most of the time you have left in high school. Work hard to improve your grades so your transcript will show at least one semester that demonstrates what kind of grades you can make when you do your best.
If you've been focused on your job or other extracurricular activities instead of your schoolwork, ask adults who know you well (such as your supervisors, mentors, advisers, coaches) to write recommendations for you. They should be able to speak about your dedication and your ability to be disciplined and to apply yourself to a task. Get references from people who can speak to your character and leadership ability.
It's also a good idea to address this problem in one of your admissions essays. Write about your journey to become a dedicated student. Explain that you weren't always as focused on academics as you are now. In your admissions interviews, do your best to make a good impression. Be ready to tell your interviewer how you realized you needed to change, and what you're doing to improve your grades.
To be honest, you might not yet be able to convince the admissions people that you are different now and should be accepted into their school. In that case, consider spending a semester or two at a local community college, where you can give your best effort to the courses you take. Earn credits you can transfer to the colleges you'd like to go to. With that, and your improved high school record, you may be a strong candidate as a transfer student. I hope things will work out for you!
Written by Judy Moseman
