Poor grades in high school - any chance of getting into college?

Question

A friend of my daughter's did poorly in high school, graduating with a 2.3 GPA. He's a smart kid who has a knack for math and computers but because of family circumstances (his sister has had several brain tumors and the family has been consumed with worry/bills/uncertainty for several years), his mind was not on his school work. The young man knows he messed up. But he also knows he wants to attend college. He did okay on his ACT (22 overall), but with his poor high school record, do you think there's any hope of him being able to get into our town's university? Will an admissions officer look at his circumstances and the fact that he did reasonably well in the areas he's interested in pursuing? We have an appointment with the admissions counselor today....any thoughts on how we can improve his chances of getting in?

Answer 1

He could also check into extension courses at the college-many have a program of up to 30 credits or so, with an option to transfer in at a later time, of a set age, say, 25. Check the college's catalog for details. He can also CLEP any courses he feels confident in. Are there any Community Colleges nearby? He could put a year or two in there and transfer to a 4 year college later. They usually are less expensive. Good Luck, and don't give up. Don't forget to apply for a Pell Grant, if possible.

Answer 2

There is always hope. Show the colleges you care. and they will show you they care. community service, red cross aid, sports, visit the college in person to show admiration, highlight his qualities and minimize his weaknesses.

Answer 3

He should meet with the college and explain things.  Failing that, it may be best to enroll in a community college for the first two years, then transfer credits.  If those two years are successful, it may make getting in easier for the next two.

Answer 4

i think that at his college meeting he shud tell the ppl his situatuion...i think that they might understand

Answer 5

Tell them about the good things he's done.  I made a virtual magazine by email since 5th grade.  (I'm way older now)  Telling the university things like accomplishments and awards he's gotten is a good way too.  I don't know if that helped...

Answer 6

An admissions officer may be willing to look at his situation but my advice to him would be that he should attend a community college or tech school for a while if he has trouble getting into the school he wants to go to.  Once he has a decent semester or two under his belt he can re-apply with his college transcripts in hand as proof that he can handle the courseload.

Answer 7

A 22 is a little low for an ACT score. And just because he did well in math and wants to go in to math, really doesn't help much. Colleges want their students to be well rounded in all subjects. Reading and writing are very important no matter what your major will be. Admissions does look at the family situation. He may have to write a paper on his circumstances. Teacher or Principal recommendation letter will help a bit.

He may have to go to the Community College then transfer out. If he transfers out of a CC BEFORE he completes all two years with an Associate Degree, most colleges will request his High School records too. With the two year degree they will only be taking his CC transcripts and not even looking at the high school's ones. Check with your towns 4 year college on that when he talks to the admissions office.

Answer 8

i agree u should tell the admissions officer the circumstances but since colleges are getting more and more competitive and that doesn't work he should go to a community college, do well there and go somewhere else after that

Answer 9

Frankly, any school that would take him with that GPA and ACT score isn't worth attending.  He'd be much better off going to community college for a few years, and if he does well there, he can transfer to a good school that wouldn't even consider him now.