GPA's, Incompetence, and College?

Question

I go to school where all of the students are high functioning over achievers. They all take very hard classes and join alot of clubs and everything like that. I entered the school my sophmore year. I went from a school where i was one of the smartest people to a school where i was slightly above average. I'm trying catch up but I'm freaking out.

My GPA from last year (sophmore year) is 3.85 which- considering that alot of people here get more than a 4.0- is not that good, and I'm not in any clubs but I'm trying to join some.

what should I do? How should I approach this situation?

Answer 1

Well, first don't freak out. As a general rule a person needs at least a 2.0 to get admitted into the average State College/University, unless you plan on going to an Ivy league, Pre-Med, Medical Technology, Pre-Nursing, Pre-Pharm, Pre-Law I think you see what I mean.

When I finished high school; I was in the bottom 10% of my class, never participated in much, except band. 25 yrs later, I am one of the few folks in my graduating class with a Master's Degree. Not bad for someone voted least likely to succeed by her high school class.

GPA is often used as a filter; when I was in college, I had to maintain a GPA of 3.0 to keep my scholarship. In Med Tech school we were required to keep a 2.5 or higher or we got axed from the course. That is done to get rid of the drift wood.

Stay the course. If you are aspiring to go to college, do well on the SAT or ACT or whatever is being used nowadays. Gee that is a good GPA. Do not feel pressured to join clubs, unless its something you genuinely like and have interest in. I was in Band because I liked it.  Nothing wrong with wanting to strive to do good; just don't give yourself ulcers.

Answer 2

My first recommendation would be to relax, a 3.85 is a great GPA to have during high school, particularly in your lower-division years.  There is always a bigger fish, do not feel frustrated that you are in a situation like this, use it as a learning experience.  You will learn more if you surround yourself with people who are smarter than you.

Second recommendation is to do research to figure out how the other students are able to maintain a 4.0 GPA and be a member of multiple clubs.  You may find that your study habits, time management and leisure time need improvement.  You may even find that this school is easier than your last school and appearances are deceiving.

I would recommend getting in to a groove that allows you to maintain a 4.0 GPA, prior to joining a club.  Once you have that, find something you are interested in and join.  A high grade point average and involvement in school clubs/sports are excellent marks on your college applications.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

some colleges want to see how you get involve with the community and school grades are important you good i wish i had your gpa!