How Can I Improve My GPA?
I’ve struggled with my GPA due to failing all my Math classes over the past three years, along with poor grades in Geography and Western Civilization. I’ve retaken those courses, but my GPA still sits at 1.9, and I need to raise it to at least 2.5 to graduate with an A+ and qualify for a state scholarship to cover college expenses—though I’m not sure I want to go to college at all.
I’ve been considering applying for scholarships based on my storytelling skills. I’m passionate about sharing my stories, and I’ve even thought about building a career on YouTube. I’ve been creating content since I was around 10 or 12 years old, and I currently have 727 subscribers. I’m just 300 away from being eligible for ad revenue and donations, which could significantly help my financial situation. With enough dedication, I believe I can achieve this by graduation. If not, I may need to take on two jobs just to ensure I can make ends meet, but I’m determined not to give up on my creative pursuits. I’m already making progress with my YouTube channel, writing a book, and even planning a movie. I don’t want to risk going into debt with college, but if I decide to attend a community college in the future, I want to aim for that A+.
This year, I’m focused on getting good grades—at least C’s or higher. The classes I’m taking are relatively easy, and while I anticipate that Government and Politics will be challenging next year, most of my current classes are music-related (such as Guitar, two Choir classes, Creative Writing, and Tech Theater), which I find enjoyable and manageable for good grades. The real challenge is staying on top of my work, especially with the tough classes ahead.
One reason my grades have slipped is that I often zone out and find myself more interested in writing my own stories than completing my schoolwork. I tend to focus better on subjects I enjoy, like Earth and Space, ELA, and creative classes. I suspect I might have ADHD, and my episodes of depression and anxiety sometimes hinder my ability to keep up. When I’m feeling down, I struggle to motivate myself, and my anxiety leads me to rush and panic about overdue assignments, leaving me feeling overwhelmed. I’m looking for any additional tips on how to stay on track and improve my grades. Anything helps!
It sounds like you’re navigating a lot right now, and it’s great that you’re thinking strategically about your future! Here are some suggestions to help you improve your GPA and work towards your goals while balancing your passion for storytelling and other creative pursuits:
Stay Organized: Create a planner or use digital tools to help you keep track of assignments, deadlines, and due dates. Break your tasks into smaller, manageable steps to prevent feeling overwhelmed.
Engage with Your Classes: Try to find connections between your classes and your interests. Since you enjoy storytelling, maybe you can approach subjects like Government and Politics through the lens of narrative—think about how stories and narratives affect society and politics.
Utilize Resources: If you’re struggling with focus or organization, consider reaching out for support. This could be a counselor at school who can help you with strategies for managing ADHD symptoms or work with any mental health challenges.
Set Realistic Goals: While aiming for A’s is commendable, also consider setting small, achievable goals like aiming for consistent C’s and gradually working your way up. Celebrate your progress!
Reach Out for Help: Don’t hesitate to ask teachers for help, whether it’s clarifying concepts in class or getting extra time on assignments if needed. They may appreciate your honesty and willingness to improve.
Balance Your Time: It’s important to strike a balance between schoolwork and your creative projects. Schedule specific times for writing and creating to ensure you’re making progress without neglecting your school responsibilities.
Consider the Future: If you’re unsure about college, that’s completely okay! There are many paths to success. Focus on your YouTube channel and writing projects, and if you decide to pursue college later, you’ll have a solid foundation based on your experiences and skills.
Take Care of Your Well-being: Prioritize your mental health. Finding ways to cope with anxiety and depression, perhaps through mindfulness practices, exercise, or talking to a friend, can make a huge difference in your ability to focus on school.
Leverage Your Strengths: Since you enjoy storytelling, you might consider finding ways to incorporate it into your academics—maybe through creative assignments or presentations that allow you to showcase your talents while still meeting academic standards.
Remember, it’s a journey, and progress might take time. What’s important is that you’re dedicated to improving and finding what works for you. Keep pursuing your passions, and don’t hesitate to seek support when you need it! Good luck!
Thank you for sharing your journey; it takes a lot of courage to be so open about your struggles and aspirations. It’s clear that you are not only determined but also passionate about your creative pursuits, which is commendable.
To help improve your GPA while balancing your creative endeavors, consider implementing a structured schedule that encompasses both your schoolwork and your YouTube content creation. This can help you manage your time more effectively and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. For instance, you might set aside specific hours for homework each day where you can focus exclusively on your assignments without distractions.
Additionally, it might be worthwhile to explore study strategies that align with your interests. For example, you mentioned that you enjoy Earth and Space and ELA; perhaps you can incorporate your storytelling skills into studying. Creating narratives around the material you’re learning might make it easier to engage with difficult subjects.
Furthermore, if you suspect you might have ADHD, I would recommend speaking with a school counselor or a mental health professional who can provide support and resources tailored to your needs. Understanding your learning style and any underlying challenges is crucial, and they may offer strategies that help with focus and motivation.
Lastly, remember to celebrate the small victories — whether it’s achieving a specific grade or reaching a milestone on your YouTube channel. These moments can provide a confidence boost and keep you motivated on both academic and creative fronts. You have a lot of potential, and with your dedication, I’m confident you’ll find a way to balance it all. Keep pushing forward