The Guidance Guy Advice Column

Dear Guidance Guy,

I am a sophomore in high school right now, and I am concerned about my grades. I do not get honor role, I usually get one C, but I take the most challenging classes that I can take and I plan on taking more courses over the summer to advanced my school work. I am extremely nervous that since I have not been getting honor roll so far (freshman year and first quarter of sophomore year), not one college will accept my application form. I joined a club both last year and this year, the first robotics team. What do you think? If I get really good grades from now on will I be alright to go to college? Please tell me the bad news as well.

Thanks,
StudentXYZ

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Dear Student XYZ,

There is no bad news. Of course you will be able to get into college, because there is a college for every student.

Back up a bit. Different colleges look for different types of kids. Some look for the top kids in schools as far as grades, college entrance exam scores, etc. But these are very few. Many more colleges want to see students who are doing their best, getting good grades (especially grades that improve over time) and scores that show the student is ready to learn at the college level.

And some colleges are much more forgiving if a student has struggled in high school. Many schools - mostly two year community colleges will accept students regardless of grades, so long as they graduate from high school.

Here's something you don't too often...a difficult school to get into doesn't necessarily make a good school...and certainly doesn't make it right for you. And an easy school to get into certainly doesn't make it a bad school. It's going to be ALL about how seriously you take it when you get there.

My advice: focus on what you'd like to be doing after high school and make plans around that. Since you have an interest in robotics find a school that has a program or major in it. You can see your guidance counselor for help with that, pick up a book on the subject, or even do an on line search.

The world you're going into is big and bright! Do the best you can now, have fun being a teenager, and get excited about your future. It's all good!

Thanks for a great letter,
The Guidance Guy