Can facebook ruin your chances of getting into university?

Good job on improving your grades! Yes, top colleges like Rice DO expect near-perfect GPAs, advanced courses, and quality extracurriculars. But a not-so-great first semester of high school will not ruin your chances.

Think of it as a learning experience, figure out what changes you need to make, and keep plugging away toward your goals. You can do it! Why do you think your grades were lower than you had hoped?

Is it because the material is difficult and you have a hard time understanding it? Or is it because you didn't have enough time to devote to studying and homework? If it's the material that's tough, one solution is to get a good tutor to help you understand the material.

Actually, it can be beneficial to work with a tutor on a regular basis (say, once a week), even when you're doing okay. That can help you maintain your good grades and stay ahead of the game. If it's the amount of work that's overwhelming you and preventing you from studying enough to do well, then you have a couple choices.

You can either drop a few extracurriculars (which would be a shame, if you enjoy them), you could take regular classes versus PreAP and AP (which will won't look as good on your college applications), or you can make some changes in your lifestyle to accomodate all your homework and activities. It IS possible to "do it all" and still get great grades. But you have to be extremely organized and diligent about getting your work done, and you have to be willing to make some sacrifices, which might include giving up some social activities, time spent relaxing with your family, and even some sleep.

There will be many nights when you'll have to stay up well past midnight to get everything done. If you aren't willing or able to do that (and not everyone is), then you'll need to cut back or your grades will suffer. But if it's important to you to take hard classes, get great grades, AND stay involved in your activities, you can do it if you put your mind to it!

Good luck!

No, you haven't completely ruined your chances! Getting a C isn't the greatest, but it isn't horrible. Colleges, with the exception of the Ivy Leagues, kind of expect that students will have their worst quarter/semester during their Freshman Year.

So, they do grant some leniency, as long as they see continuous improvement as time goes on and you at least meet the minimum requirements to attend their school. Of course, exceeding the minimum should always be your goal. If you can get a 3.5 or higher by the time you apply to college, you'll be in great shape.

You just need to work on your Time Management Skills, and make school your number one priority. Get a Daily Planner and make it your new Best Friend. Block out all of the time that is spent in school and the time needed for studying.

All other time can be used for Extracurricular Activities. Notice I listed Extracurricular Activities, secondary to Academics? That's right, it comes afterward.

If you unable to perform to your fullest potential due to After School Activities, than you simply cannot be in them, at least for the time being. Playing a sport is not absolutely necessary to get into a good college. You gain valuable Leadership and Teamwork Skills by volunteering your time through Community Service on the weekends and during the Summers, which will look great on your Resume/Applications.

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