Will I be able to go to college? Will i be accepted? Will I be good enough?

Hey, I just wanted to start this by saying you are not alone. I'm also in the 11th grade and whenever reflecting on my 9th and 10th grade years I can't help but feel a sense of regret. Not only from the lack-luster grades, but also because I missed out on so many opportunities (like AP, Extracurriculars, etc). Now I'm taking honors and AP classes, applying myself more, and worrying more and more about my future. Anyways, my reason for starting off like that is just to let you know that you're not alone. I'm currently going through the same thing you're going through, and find myself asking the same questions.

Now what I can say for sure is, it's not over. There are still a multitude of options available for you and they're all great career starters. First, you need to accept that a top school might be too far out of reach. Of course anything is possible, but unless you get 2-3 newsworthy accomplishments, I doubt Harvard's going to be calling your name. That's not meant to discourage you at all, but it's supposed to help with your time distribution and planning, also to have you set more reachable goals. Secondly, don't take your foot off the gas. With this being your final semester before applications, and both of your AP test coming around the corner, you need to remain vigilant. Also, it's not too late to add on extracurriculars. Summer is coming up soon, so you can always get a job, do some volunteer work, or maybe even a summer season sport. Third, take into account that going straight to a 4-year university is not the only path available. Trade, community, and technical schools offer great learning opportunities. Also, lots of 2 year community or junior colleges are directly connected to 4 year so that after you complete your general education classes there, you can transfer directly into a 4 year college (cheaper and possibly more viable option for you).

Lastly, I wanted to say DON'T GIVE UP. The fact that you're even posting this on a forum shows you care, and if you care you can succeed. I have no doubt that you can and will achieve your goals.

Anyways, this was my first ever post on here and I wanted to send some advice your way because I see the similarity of our situations. I hope I was able to help you out, and if you need anything else at all, feel free to reply.

SUCCESS IS IN YOUR FUTURE!!!

First of all, don't despair! There are many ways to get a college education thankfully! I'm sure one of them will work for you. Here is my advice for you.

1. Don't beat yourself up. Everything will be okay. You may have to work hard but if it is for something you really want, I promise it will be worth it.

2. Don't set unrealistic goals/expectations. I have to honestly tell you that top schools will not accept your application. But once again, it's ok--you don't need to go to a top school to be educated and trained for your career.

3. Find YOUR thing. What do you enjoy? When and where are you happiest? Start paying attention to this carefully. I noticed that I was happiest in the garden so I will get a degree of Ornamental Hortculture. This means I will be learning about something I love and interests me. Don't discount a hobby or "silly" interest--you never know what may become your career!

4. College is not the only path. There are technical schools, art schools, drama programs, writing programs, etc. I don't even need to go to college for my career because there are so many options for learning out there. I could attend a technical school or a community college for a floral design certificate but the Ornamental Horticulture degree fits my career interests more specifically. Not everyone needs to go to college to have a successful career though this really depends on what career.

5. Transferring is ALWAYS an option. You can always start at a different college or community college for a semester or two and transfer to the university you want to be at. It is odd, but the requirements for transfer students are SO much easier than first-year student requirements b/c you have already proved you can handle college! Besides, the 1st year or so is just general education classes anyway so it doesn't always matter where you start. I am taking my general education classes at a community college and transferring them into my degree later.

6. DON'T GIVE UP. High school is hard but you can do it! It can help to make goals for yourself, whether big or small, as incentives to keep going. Eg, I am diligent with studies b/c it means I can do the thing I really love in college. Make time for things you enjoy and balance life with study. Never let it be all study or all other activities-balance is key! Don't be rough with yourself and guard your mental health.

If there are any other ways I can help, lmk! Feel free to reply with more questions. Also, if you DO know what you want to do after high school, please tell me so I can give practical advice for moving towards that!

Hope this helps! You can do this!

Hey, I wanted to say I am currently in a similar situation, and you are not alone. I have done zero clubs all three years of high school and never attended freshman year because of my mental health. I currently am focusing on maintaining a good GPA and finding extracurriculars I am passionate about and relate to my major. I would recommend doing the same and finding what you are passionate about and working from there. But just remember that no matter what you can get into a college as long as you graduate. You don't need perfect stats or extreme extracurriculars or anything to get into college. Many colleges have a 100% acceptance rate and there are other options like community college and then transfer to a university which could lead you to a top-ranked school. And also the college you go to doesn't mean much to how successful you'll be in the future. You could go to a small school and be just as successful as someone who went to a top school. You can also reach out to a school counselor and get some advise there as well! You got this!