Too late to try and get accepted?

Loriena7x7

5-Year Member
Joined
Jan 4, 2013
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I am currently a junior in high school and I was wondering whether I'm a lost cause for getting into the academy or if I still have hope left. My gpa freshman year was 3.6 and at the end of sophomore year it was a pathetic 2.7 (both non-weighted) because of a D I got in history because our teacher left 3/4 of the way through the school year. I'm not sure exactly what it is right now because we haven't gotten our report cards back but I estimate a 3.5. I've been looking at a few people who are nervous about getting in and they pretty much blow me out of the water when it comes to classes and extracurricular activities. The only community service I've really done is tutoring kids in grades k-3rd in homework for 40 hours and I've worked hospitality events for 24 hours. Sophomore year I was on varsity cross-country and this year I was on varsity tennis. I go to a school of 600 kids in the middle of no where so there isn't many opportunities for "proving my worth". Even as I type this I feel pretty pathetic but is there anything I can do to turn my odds around and have a chance of getting in? There is a junior college near by that I would be willing to take classes at if need be. The classes I'm taking this year are English 11 (p), Hospitality, U.S. History (p), Algebra 2 (p), Foods and nutrition, Biotechnology. Next year I will be taking AP English, AP Chemistry, AP Government, AP Biology, Trigonometry/pre calculus (p), Culinary arts and I will again be on varsity tennis. I am going to take the SAT soon and I'm applying for the AIM program if that will help.
 
I am currently a junior in high school and I was wondering whether I'm a lost cause for getting into the academy or if I still have hope left. My gpa freshman year was 3.6 and at the end of sophomore year it was a pathetic 2.7 (both non-weighted) because of a D I got in history because our teacher left 3/4 of the way through the school year. I'm not sure exactly what it is right now because we haven't gotten our report cards back but I estimate a 3.5. I've been looking at a few people who are nervous about getting in and they pretty much blow me out of the water when it comes to classes and extracurricular activities. The only community service I've really done is tutoring kids in grades k-3rd in homework for 40 hours and I've worked hospitality events for 24 hours. Sophomore year I was on varsity cross-country and this year I was on varsity tennis. I go to a school of 600 kids in the middle of no where so there isn't many opportunities for "proving my worth". Even as I type this I feel pretty pathetic but is there anything I can do to turn my odds around and have a chance of getting in? There is a junior college near by that I would be willing to take classes at if need be. The classes I'm taking this year are English 11 (p), Hospitality, U.S. History (p), Algebra 2 (p), Foods and nutrition, Biotechnology. Next year I will be taking AP English, AP Chemistry, AP Government, AP Biology, Trigonometry/pre calculus (p), Culinary arts and I will again be on varsity tennis. I am going to take the SAT soon and I'm applying for the AIM program if that will help.

Are you talking about cumulative gpa? a drop from 3.6 to 2.7 seems pretty extreme for only one letter grade if you're talking about cumulative gpa.

As far as classes are concerned, they look pretty good except Foods and nutrition and Culinary Arts. If you're able to take something heavier, go for it (for instance, I took a class called Etymology that was a one semester class).

Start studying for the SAT as well as the ACT- you might do significantly better on one than on the other. Buy one of those prep books and review, and take one of the practice test under timed conditions each weekend leading up the the actual exam. It might not be very fun, but it'll definitely help you boost results.

In regards to extracurriculars, definitely do more community service and keep doing well in Tennis. Try and become tennis captain if you can, as that shows leadership. Not sure what state you are in, but ask your guidance councilor at school about going to your boy's/girl's state program (run through the American Legion). It's a week-long program that teaches you about your state's government with some hands on learning (and looks awesome on any college application). Also, if you work a part-time job put that down and try and get letters of recommendation from your boss
 
The drop in my gpa was a mix of the D in history and a C in geometry. I would take something more challenging than culinary arts but unfortunately our school has a lack of elective classes that are heavy. Would taking Spanish 3 in its place look better? Or if I take Spanish 3 over the summer I can do AP Spanish 4. I don't have many options... As for the job, at the end of the year in biotechnology we get a certificate that allows for us to get a job working in a lab. I'm not exactly sure what kind of job I can do but there are a lot of wineries out here that have labs (I live in California) or there is a marine lab near by that might take me. Thank you for your help! Its reassuring that I still have a chance. =)
 
For the SAT, since you live in California, I would highly recommend taking Elite. I am currently doing a winter boot camp session to boost up my SAT scores one last time since I was put on the waiting list. So far it has been a GREAT help! Although it is a rigorous class so be prepared to do A LOT of work, but it is definitely worth it.

Definitely apply for AIM's week. A little more than about half of the people who are accepted into the academy have done AIM's so it does give you a little advantage. Plus that one week you go is a great experience! I absolutely loved it! :biggrin:

As for extracurricular activities, try to keep yourself busy and (I hate to say it) have as little free time as possible. Not so much that they take away from your studies but something that shows commitment and has value. Try starting a club at you're school that your passionate about. A community service club would be really good on your application.
 
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