I began high school in the state of Florida. I had a 3.3 GPA in both 9th and 10th grade. In 11th, I transferred to an Environmental and Biomedical Science “Magnet Program”. I took AP US History, AP Environmental Science, and AP English Language and Composition. My remaining classes were honors/gifted classes. My grades were decent, but I couldn’t pull above a 3.4 because of my previous years. Regardless, I had As in all of my AP classes, and was doing fine in everything but math, which is expected. Unfortunately, about 3-quarters of the way through the year, I struggled with bulimia and had to go to a rehabilitation center, which prohibited me from going to school. When I got out, I was told that I would receive no credit from the school because the credits were ANNUAL, not BI-ANNUAL. They told me I’d have to take 11th grade over. I moved to Washington State; just a family situation. Upon enrollment to my new school, they told me that even without the credits from my 11th grade year, I still had enough credits to be able to be a senior, and that I’d meet the graduation requirements this year. Pretty sure this is because high school in Florida is 9th-12th, and high school in Washington is 10th-12th. Anyways, they placed me in terrible classes and REFUSE to switch me out. Something to do with attendance. They have me in Chemistry, Algebra 2…classes that I’ve practically already taken, and that look absolutely horrible on a transcript. They could at least throw in some honors and AP classes! I have the option of graduating as is, or possibly taking my 11th grade year over. Problem #2: If I decide to take 11th over, they still won’t move me into AP classes, because of the attendance issue. If I’m going to go to school for two more goddamn years I want it to get me into a good college.
I’d ideally like to get into a state college, do well, and transfer after two years. I want to get into a good graduate school for Biology, and pursue a PhD in Evolutionary and Sociobiology.
I have high hopes. I’m a smart girl. I messed it up for myself. Does anybody have some brilliant plan to get me out of this mess? Or at least some advice on what to do?
My email address is:
damndelions@yahoo.com
Thanks!
To LD: Thank you, great idea. But would you recommend retaking the 11th grade, or going forward without it? I think that emphasizing that I decided to go to school for another year when I could have easily graduated would only add to the impact. Easier said than done, of course.
#1 by Farkle on February 13, 2010 - 9:06 am
Take the GED test right now. You should easily pass. Start taking college courses at night and over the summer at your local community college. This will build a college GPA and track record for you to use to transfer to a 4-year college.
As for the high school, just take whatever required courses you still need to graduate in 4 years.
You should have your associates degree in a year and a half or less, then it’s on to the 4-year college and grad school.
#2 by Jeff D on February 13, 2010 - 9:22 am
You might try going to a community/jr college for a year. It might be easier if you’re transferring in from there.
#3 by LD on February 13, 2010 - 9:48 am
Apply to a college, whatever college you want to go to. Don’t worry about fears that the college is too good for you, because it isn’t. You’re going to be the one paying them so you get to call the shots. Then call and ask to have an interview or just a meeting with one of the admissions deans. When you get into his or her office act very polite and respectful. Focus on you strong points but leave this story you just wrote out. Then towards the end of the meeting, or if at any point you are asked what makes you interesting or any question like that, Pull out this story and use it as a trump card. Just say and I quote: ” I made some bad choices when I was young but after a lot of hard and determined work I was able to become who I am today: An Intelligent woman who wants to make something of herself at “name of the college you’re at.” Good luck. College really isn’t that hard to get into trust me. Its paying for it.