Many students have problems with a low grade point average(GPA). It seems like you just zip through middle school without a hitch, then high school throws you for a loop.
New teachers combined with tough classes hit you hard, and all of a sudden you see B's and even C's on your report card.
I had a hard time with the fact that my GPA was low when I was going through the process of applying at Ivy League schools. Here are some of the ideas that helped me. I hope they will help you, too.
Click here to learn AP test taking tips!
Here are three tips that really helped me a lot:
1. Take some college classes and do your very best in them.
During the summer months, take a few classes at your local college or junior college. Be sure to choose topics that really interest you so that you will be able to excel. If these also happen to support your major, that's even better.
Clearly, seeing that you are actually capable of doing college level work and doing it well will look good on your application. This is a demonstration of your academic depth.
This will really boost a sagging GPA because these courses will serve the same purpose as a high GPA score. They will prove that you have what it takes to meet the challenge and perform successfully at the college level. This may provide the tipping point that helps the admissions committee become interested in you.
2. During your final semester or two, be sure to take as many AP and Honors courses as possible.
It goes without saying, you will need to do very well in your courses. You want your college transcript to give an accurate record of your school attendance, work ethic, and study skills.
I took seven advanced placement classes during my fall semester of Common Applications. It wasn't easy, but the fact that I had taken all those classes really dressed up my transcript! The fact that the grades didn't show yet was immaterial. The important thing was that my taking those classes showed that I was serious, academically speaking.
We talk a lot about trends in our admissions committees discussions.
What I mean by this is that taking these AP courses shows that the student has potential and is actively working on improving himself. So, even if your grades are not terrific, you can show that you have what it takes to improve them in a consistent manner over a period of time. It's a lot better to have lower grades as a freshman and show that you have improved them as a junior than the other way around. Remember that.
3. Say a lot about your extracurricular achievements and your summertime activities.
Obviously, you want to draw attention away from your GPA if it is low. You can do this effectively by giving a generous estimate of the amount of time you have spent on your extracurricular activities and talking about them in great detail in your essays.
If the adcoms get the idea that you are spending tons of time on your clubs and varsity teams, they will think that you were just too overwhelmed to do any better on your GPA.
One thing you should be aware of is that, participation in clubs and varsity teams is essential for admittance to Harvard. Your grades alone will not gain entrance for you no matter how good they are.
Click here to learn why high school admissions counselors waste your money.
New teachers combined with tough classes hit you hard, and all of a sudden you see B's and even C's on your report card.
I had a hard time with the fact that my GPA was low when I was going through the process of applying at Ivy League schools. Here are some of the ideas that helped me. I hope they will help you, too.
Click here to learn AP test taking tips!
Here are three tips that really helped me a lot:
1. Take some college classes and do your very best in them.
During the summer months, take a few classes at your local college or junior college. Be sure to choose topics that really interest you so that you will be able to excel. If these also happen to support your major, that's even better.
Clearly, seeing that you are actually capable of doing college level work and doing it well will look good on your application. This is a demonstration of your academic depth.
This will really boost a sagging GPA because these courses will serve the same purpose as a high GPA score. They will prove that you have what it takes to meet the challenge and perform successfully at the college level. This may provide the tipping point that helps the admissions committee become interested in you.
2. During your final semester or two, be sure to take as many AP and Honors courses as possible.
It goes without saying, you will need to do very well in your courses. You want your college transcript to give an accurate record of your school attendance, work ethic, and study skills.
I took seven advanced placement classes during my fall semester of Common Applications. It wasn't easy, but the fact that I had taken all those classes really dressed up my transcript! The fact that the grades didn't show yet was immaterial. The important thing was that my taking those classes showed that I was serious, academically speaking.
We talk a lot about trends in our admissions committees discussions.
What I mean by this is that taking these AP courses shows that the student has potential and is actively working on improving himself. So, even if your grades are not terrific, you can show that you have what it takes to improve them in a consistent manner over a period of time. It's a lot better to have lower grades as a freshman and show that you have improved them as a junior than the other way around. Remember that.
3. Say a lot about your extracurricular achievements and your summertime activities.
Obviously, you want to draw attention away from your GPA if it is low. You can do this effectively by giving a generous estimate of the amount of time you have spent on your extracurricular activities and talking about them in great detail in your essays.
If the adcoms get the idea that you are spending tons of time on your clubs and varsity teams, they will think that you were just too overwhelmed to do any better on your GPA.
One thing you should be aware of is that, participation in clubs and varsity teams is essential for admittance to Harvard. Your grades alone will not gain entrance for you no matter how good they are.
Click here to learn why high school admissions counselors waste your money.
About the Author:
Hopeless To Harvard is a former Admissions Officer's account of how to get into Harvard, Princeton, and any other Ivy League school. Click here to learn all about the SAT, SAT II, AP tests, and more, and break into the school of your dreams! Discover secrets to getting into Harvard now.
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