How can I improve?Answered
I just finished freshman year with a 2.20 gpa. Last semester my gpa was 3.00 but went down in semester 2, mental health and drama go in the way in semester 2. I'm trying to improve my sophomore year, is there any tips that could possible help me sophomore year so I have a better chance in applying for collage my junior year?
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5 answers
Hi! This is a great question! As someone who is about to finish my junior year, I have experienced the drama, stress, mental health issues, friend issues and come out the other side with excellent grades and I know you can too! The most important thing with any class is to always have open communication with your teachers regardless if you are doing well or poorly in their class. Most teachers care about their students and are very understanding as long as you are honest with them and try your best. The next thing I have to say is make sure you are taking classes that you enjoy - not just taking classes because they "look good" or "everyone else is taking them". When you take classes you're interested in, you automatically want to do better! Lastly, try and figure out why you aren't getting the grades you want. Do you turn in your homework? Do you understand the material? Do you study for tests? It's important to evaluate where the issue is and adjust your habits to meet those needs. It's not easy, and it takes real adjustments, but making those changes leads to such gratification! Some of this I am just learning in my junior year so the sooner you can implement these things, the better! Colleges like to see growth and improvement so as long as you make the changes now, you'll be fine :)
In my experience, finding the root of the problem is a good way to start. It may take time, but once you have found that, it will be much easier to identify healthy coping strategies. Another thing I would suggest is to set aside a specific time to study every day. This can help build good study habits and confidence in school subjects.
(Disclaimer: I am in no way a mental health professional, these are simply strategies that have worked for me.)
I'm going to deviate from the typical response of "put your head down and study." In my experiences, coming from a similar situation as yourself, it is important to evaluate WHY you want to do something. Obviously you want a good GPA, but why do you want it? Is it for yourself or because you want to impress schools? Asking questions is vital... Once you have begun to ask difficult questions of "why," you have to working on yourself. Do research, dive into the root of the problem and really dig down into what is going on. Find what is causing your bad GPA deep down and work on that. If you find out that you have serious attentional issues that prevent you from focusing on homework for an extended period of time, start meditating, using pomodoro-esque techniques, and other smart studying methods to both train yourself to study better but also to solve the root problem. It's difficult, but change doesn't happen over night, and that's okay. I recommend reading "Atomic Habits." It's a fantastic book and it will help you develop the soft skills to be able to change yourself in the way you want.
The most important thing you can do for yourself is learn how to manage your time wisely. That can come in many forms, it depends on what works for you. It might be making a checklist, setting alarms, just experiment around to see what works for you. Talk to your teachers, go to their office hours and don't be afraid to ask for help. Not only will your knowledge improve, it also shows that you're dedicated to your education and are willing to work hard. Good luck!
I totally feel you! As someone who kinda has drama track behind them I would say the best thing that you could do to avoid drama and keep your grades where you like them is:
1. Get rid of any toxic people who would like to bring you down during the academic process.
2. Stay under the radar and join study groups!
3. Make time for you to relax! (Ex. Hang out with non-toxic friends, get plenty of rest, seek help as need)
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