My Student's Grades Aren't Great -- Can They Still Go To College?

As a parent, you want what's best for your child. You might be asking yourself, "My student's grades aren't great -- can they still go to college?" The answer is yes! There are many college options available, and your student can still have a bright future. Here are some things to keep in mind as you help your child navigate the college process.


It's perfectly normal to experience disappointment when your child has grades that aren't what you'd envisioned. However, it's important to avoid placing too much emphasis on grades and instead provide guidance on how to make improvements in the areas where your child is struggling. A great way of doing this is by talking openly and honestly about the grade, listening carefully to their perspective, setting achievable goals together, and providing support throughout the striving process so that everyone learns from the experience. It's true that solid grades are an essential part of a successful future, but self-confidence is just as important – and both can be developed with positive reinforcement.


here are 4 tips to help them along the application process: 



  1. Finish Strong: Perhaps your student struggled with the transition to high school their freshman year and it’s reflected in their semester grades. That’s okay!  Admissions officers understand this possibility and place most weight on the last two years of high school. An upward trend in grades will give colleges more confidence in a student’s college readiness. 
  2. Standardized Testing: While a perfect SAT or ACT score will not entirely make up for lacking grades, they’ll certainly help your student’s overall admissions profile. If your student is a strong test taker, be sure they submit their scores with their college applications. 
  3. Engagement: While transcripts and test scores comprise a significant portion of college applications, numbers cannot the full picture. Colleges desire students who are engaged, passionate, curious, and involved within their communities. Regardless of your student’s grades, encourage them to explore and invest in their passions and interests–this is the stuff of a stellar application essay! 
  4. Provide Context: Providing the appropriate context behind your student’s grades is imperative. Student’s should be honest about their transcript in their application. Use the Additional Information section of the application to share any contextual information that might explain lower grades and the process behind your student’s learning. 


Even though the college admissions process is stressful and uncertain during these times, there are still many viable options that can be explored in order to find the perfect college fit. Because each college and university has unique advantages and offerings, it's important to take extra time to research which schools suit each individual best. Fortunately, online resources abound for doing this kind of research: from school-sponsored websites and social media accounts to student testimonials, there is more than enough information available to make an informed decision. Looking into each school's academic programs, extracurriculars, tuition rates, campus culture, and other offerings allows prospective students to compile a list of possible schools that will set them up for success.


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