Is it possible to get into a good college with lousy grades?
449851
Well, I don't know the policies and practices of the particular colleges to which you are applying. What colleges look for, though, is evidence that you can succeed in college. Having good SAT scores (which you do) suggests that you have ability to succeed in college. That you are involved in some honors classes, that you are involved in some activities outside the classroom that indicate responsibility, is great. \n\nNow, what we are worried about when we see a student with good SAT scores and low GPA is that they are smart but lazy or otherwise unmotivated. So, to get in the door of college you need to explain in a cogent way why your grades are so poor, and explain it in a way that shows colleges that whatever is the issue now won't affect you in college (or you've come up with a way to resolve the issue). The really tough part is to make sure that your application is read, as some schools use grades and SAT scores to make the first cut in considering applications. There are some schools that read all applications, no matter what the credentials are. So, look for these schools to apply to.\n\nFinally, you can always go to a community college for a year or two and transfer. Get very good grades, get to know faculty who can write you great recommendations, and you can go to a great school.\n\nOh, and yes, get very good grades the rest of your high school career.....
54810
Every college has different standards in terms of what it's requirements for admissions. I would recommend checking out the university you're interested in attending and finding out what their standards are.\n\nIf your grades weren't the best in high school, it might behoove you to go to Junior College (Community College) first for a couple of years and then transfer, especially if you've shown that you can attain good grades at a collegiate level.
39988
Not necessarily. Many colleges look at both your overall gpa and your last two years gpa. So, hopefully you will do very well this year and next year. Remember that you only have two more semesters to get grades before most applications are due (you have this spring's grades and next fall's grades) so it is critical that you do well. \n\nRemember, that gpa is one very important factor in admissions, but most colleges also want you to have high SAT or ACT scores, so you need to prepare for doing well on this test. You can study for it, and I like to have people study for it by buying a bunch of practice tests and taking a practice test a week for 8-12 weeks. Take a test, score it, and then look up every item you got wrong. Then repeat. You should see your scores improving.\n\nFinally, colleges really do want to see that you have some significant interests within and outside of school. So, you also need to show that you have leadership potential, or talent, or community impact. Clubs, hobbies, and community service can all be a part. \n\nFinally, you really need to be able to do a good personal statement. It probably would be helpful to address your poor grades, why you had them and what you learned about yourself so that you could turn it around. Be able to address your values and why you and the school you are applying to are a good match. \n\nHang in there, do well, and remember that college applications are multifaceted.
455760
There are any number of online sources to help you with this. My personal favorite is: http://www.collegedata.com/\n\nAnother good source is your high school guidance counselor.\n\nYou certainly seem to have the requisite maturity to do well in college. Good luck!
1068088
depends on the school... you probably have to be over 3.0 to have any chance and id say a 3.2 or 3.3 minimum to have a good chance. some schools (drake university, ohio state, and maybe some others) have guaranteed admission programs that are really nice, you could look into those. id contact the admissions office or browse the website and see if you can find a class profile at the college you would like to attend, and get the actual numbers as they can vary greatly school to school
391295
Acing the SAT and having mediocre grades might say to the college "classic under-achiever" because it sort of proves you had the intellectual capacity to do well in school, but didn't, probably out of boredom or laziness or both.  But, maybe you are one of those "hands-on" learner types.\n\nYou can get a letter of recommendation from someone in the military, it doesn't have to be a teacher.  Just someone who knows your capacity for success.\n\nYou can address your crappy grades yourself in your essay, don't try and sugar coat it.  Just say you don't feel you felt you lived up to your potential in HS, but since getting out and spreading your wings, you feel you have matured and understand the importance of good grades.  \n\nAnd, it you don't immediately get accepted to your first choice school, take classes at a community college, even get your AA/AS degree there and apply to transfer into your top school as a junior.  You MUST get excellent grades and prove you can do college level work at the community college!\n\nGood luck to you, you can get there if you are determined and it sounds like you are.
880559
For admissions to Wayne State if you have lower than a 2.75 GPA (it has to be higher than 2.0 though!) you must have at least a 21 on the ACT. So right now I would say you are at the bottom of the pool. If you have some great letters of recommendation, a great essay, and have shown leadership in extra curriculars, that will help your chances of getting in (to any college/university). If you can't qualify to get in this year, you can always attend a community college for a year to give yourself a higher GPA and reapply next year. Study for the ACT... a higher score will increase your chances! Best of luck!
1048500
It is better to improve your score. However, admission is possible with this score but in low ranking institutions. for more details visit   http://www.catzone.org
805540
You can try for any school you so desire.\n\nI've transferred three times, and each time I was amazed as to how low the grades of my fellow transferees really were.\n\nYou should be fine. I made a 3.7 on average when I transferred, yet there were guys (sports, of course!) who barely had a D average.
723093
You should contact the admissions department at Syracuse and talk to them about it. Because yes, your senior year grades do count. But a low grade in one course - if all your other grades remained strong - that one grade may not kill you. \n\nIf they say that it is enough to cause a problem, then do talk to them about what your options might be. These might include taking the class again in the summer at your school or a local college. \n\nTo make you feel a bit better, I got into Syracuse. All my grades were good, but for one - I got a D in French in my junior year. So maybe you'll be okay - or maybe not. Talk to them!\n\nGood luck. Don't freak yet.
261695
First of all the chances of getting a scholarship, even with that kind of GPA, are slim. You must be VERY involved in campus organizations, political campaigns, and other community events. Apply for EVERY scholarship you qualify for, no matter how strange it may seem. The more you apply for, the better your chances are of getting some money. Here is an excellent website you can use to find scholarships:\n\nhttp://www.fastweb.com
642653
Yes, they do and unless you had great SAT scores and straight A's in community college, your chances are slim.
537656
Well me and a lot of my friends turned down UT Knox for other schools so you do have a chance.... but don't put all your eggs into one basket... also I know people who got accepted from my school with lower grades than that sooo don't lose hope!!
625651
YES! I was in the same boat you are in now.  I went to community college and busted my butt to raise my grades. It is cheaper, and you don't have to worry about acceptance.  After 2 years of good performance, they didn't even look at my high school history.  I got a 4.0 in community college and was eligible to go to top colleges.  The only thing is...you really have to be committed to get in to med school.  If you still can't hack it in community college...med school isn't for you.  Get serious!\n\n\nBy the way...what the guy said about colleges not looking favorably on you in the sciences...that's not true.  I was a chemistry and geology double major and went on to great things.  I got lots of scholarships and now I have a great job. Don't listen to him!
48789
I'm sure anything is possible.  But I would never suggest risking it. As you know the SAT scores really play a big part in deciding which source of higher learning is available.  I'm not trying to be a buzzkill at all.  I just know sometime we make mistakes in our youth that we can never change or fix.  All I ask is you really think it through, at any rate... good luck!
131409
Often a good GRE score, research experience, or letters of recommendation will offset bad grades.\n\nNone of the schools I applied to had a MINIMUM grade point average. Some might have had the average undergraduate GPA or something, but half the students that make it have below average grades, so this is not a minimum.\n\nMaybe you wouldn't get into UCLA or something, but many smaller programs are desperate for students. Apply for schools in a wide range of rankings and see what you get.
985519
most colleges dont look at minuses or pluses, just A B C D and F. so they will see a 4.0 with your A-