[Spreadyourlove]

I am a 16 year old Junior in High School. I grew up, from the day I started school, being told by my parent that good grades = good college = better jobs = better life. for the most part that is true. My freshman year I made honor roll every quarter, with 87 and above. My sophomore year I took honors biology and a.p us history and my grades started to slide.

This is my transcript unweighted.
Freshman Year;
English 9 CS - Honors: 93
Algebra 1 Advanced: 87
Earth Space Science Advanced: 90
World History I: 97
Introduction to Technology: 94
French 1 : 88
P.E: 98

Sophomore Year:
Honors American Literature: 83
Honors Biology: 81
AP American History: 79
French 2: 90
P.E: 98
Health: 89

This year my Junior Year I made Honor roll the first quarter with my lowest grade being a 89, now at the end of the second quarter my grades are:

French: 88
English: 79
Chemistry: 92
Algebra: 76
WH: 87

I see my teachers for help when I need it and I dont goof off in class for the most part. My parents make grades seem like they are life itself. I am very afraid that with these gades, if my junior year I dont make honor roll the last 2 quarters I will not be able to get into UMaine Orono(I live in Maine) Which I consider to be a lesser school from the other ones I want to go to. My problem, is that I dont agree with the whole school thing, why should a degree define you, why cant you just live your life and do the greater good, travel from place to place making a difference?

Are my grades not good enough to go to college?
Any inspiration on how to improve, anything would help.

My parents are really hounding me lately. My sister is a straight A student.

[Ephemeral]

You're grades aren't bad. They're above what the majority of people would get in the classes that you are taking. Getting into a college is not a tough task and you're grades are good enough to get you into a decent one.

First of all, I think that it's important to follow what you really want to do in life, first and foremost. I know everyone will say that you won't make money and etc. But if You feel that the best thing to do is to travel from place to place making a difference, then you SHOULD do that. It might be a tough life thinking about the culture of the USA but that shouldn't stop you if that what you want to do with your life. So forget what everyone else is telling you. You know what you want to do and nothing should stop you from trying to do that (assuming that it isn't being a serial killer or something heinous like that). So that's a decision that you have to make and make alone. If you need help deciding, talk to a counselor or somebody you trust and talk it out with them. But keep the conversation on what you want and not what they expect you to do or want you to do.

Second, if you are worried about your grades and you do decide that college is important, then there are a few things you can do. First of all, you have to decide that a degree is important to you and that you want to get one. Once you decide on that, it will be much easier to focus on what you need to do to get good grades. Second, ignore the grades for just a second and think of school as an educational process. The grades are not the main goal. The main goal is that you learn everything that you need to learn and more. If you focus on learning the material and not worry about your grades as much, you will find that you get good grades. Good understanding of the material = good grades for the most part. Not the other way around. So try to learn everything you can about the material and understand it. Then the grades will come once you do that.

And don't compare yourself to anyone else. You are a different person with different aptitudes. And you shouldn't judge how good you are according to what other people can do. Trust me. You're smart enough and good enough. So keep your head up and stay true to yourself. Follow what you want to do (: Good luck.

[Mad_Miller20]

Originally Posted by darkness_prevails

First of all, you have to decide that a degree is important to you and that you want to get one. Once you decide on that, it will be much easier to focus on what you need to do to get good grades. Second, ignore the grades for just a second and think of school as an educational process. The grades are not the main goal. The main goal is that you learn everything that you need to learn and more. If you focus on learning the material and not worry about your grades as much, you will find that you get good grades. Good understanding of the material = good grades for the most part. Not the other way around. So try to learn everything you can about the material and understand it. Then the grades will come once you do that.

OP, Grades are certainly not the main goal. You want an education and a career. If you look into majors and find something that you feel you would enjoy, it will make school seem a lot more interesting and beneficial to you. College is a learning process, and unlike high school, you will have more control over the subjects you study.

Your grades are fine, and if you continue making grades like that in college, you will be set for a great career. Just don't let the lack of parental pressure allow you to fall behind. College gives you a lot more freedom. I suggest that you look at this article about myths that dupe college freshman [onlinedegree.net] to prepare yourself for the rumors of things you may hear you can get away with but can't. I wish someone told me these things before I started school.