Apply widely. Maybe mix it up, applying for most EA, while saving a few applications for RD with another semester of good grades. Take some chances with schools, you never know, but be sure your kid likes his solid backups.

It is AMAZING that your kid is getting As, especially as a comeback. It is so hard to turn things around — for anybody, at any life stage. It is a real risk to begin imagining new possibilities, and it takes courage and character to do so. He should be proud, and so should you.

There are some truly fantastic schools out there with high admit rates. What kind of schools is he looking at?

The Radford, VCU, ODU guidance is good if you are in Virginia - gives a variety of options. Maybe UMW could be a possibility with the uptick in grades, especially with a good essay framing the high school challenges.

You mention good health, recently. Does your student need to be close to medical care for a chronic/persistent condition? You don't need to answer but that might be a factor in your decision making.

And agree with those saying no on the gap year in this situation. I think the trajectory is toward great academic progress. A halt in that work might send that progress in the opposite direction.

If kid wants to go to college and seems ready, I would not wait another year unless they have a very clear and specific plan for a gap year. Otherwise, they may lose motivation and end up without much to do for a year.

OP, do you mind sharing where you are in-state?

I would caste the net fairly wide and aim for schools with over 60% acceptance rates including those in the 80% range. There's a ton of them out there which will pick up on this GPA improved trajectory.

For merit - look at the list for buyers and sellers.

I’d not count on merit. I’d apply now. What is your budget?

OP a strong first semester of senior year is great - boosts confidence for admissions officers that the kid is maturing and can handle a college curriculum. It probably won't make a huge difference in the cumulative GPA, just because it's only 1 of 8 semesters of HS. So apply sensibly but be proud of your kid that he's figuring it out and will be well-positioned for his freshman year!

Go ahead and apply now-you might be surprised, and they might consider your child’s first semester grades too.

You can always petition for better aid.

Have you looked at Shenandoah, Randolph or Emory & Henry? If a VA resident, these might be a fit for your child and you can get VTAG money.

Counting on the later merit is not a viable strategy - it's very rare to get that adjustment. I let my kid apply as is to a lower tier public school and saw them soar with the dean's list and other awards. My kid is also doing special ed/ behavioral disorders - for that you must have a master's, and grad school is much more important in the long run.

There are a bunch of colleges that will say - please reach out to admissions and talk. Check out Duquesne and Hobart to start. I will look at my notes later and get back to you

Anonymous wrote:Honestly I’d push my kid toward a gap year. To distance them from those low grades both in the eyes of the school but also for the benefit of the kid.

TY. That stresses me out but....

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly I’d push my kid toward a gap year. To distance them from those low grades both in the eyes of the school but also for the benefit of the kid.

Gap years are generally a bad idea. Kids lose motivation. Plans go awry. Plus you still have to apply now, receive an acceptance and then notify them you’re doing a gap year.

What state do you live in OP? I would investigate in-state options.

VA.

Radford, ODU & VCU come up as "green lights".
Kid plays a sport well. Does not plan to pursue it for college.

We may have to revisit that choice!!!

Anonymous wrote:Honestly I’d push my kid toward a gap year. To distance them from those low grades both in the eyes of the school but also for the benefit of the kid.

Gap years are generally a bad idea. Kids lose motivation. Plans go awry. Plus you still have to apply now, receive an acceptance and then notify them you’re doing a gap year.

What state do you live in OP? I would investigate in-state options.

Honestly I’d push my kid toward a gap year. To distance them from those low grades both in the eyes of the school but also for the benefit of the kid.

If your kid had a 2.8 and were applying for less competitive schools, but 12th grade grades were great (mostly As) so it was likely GPA would be 3 or 3.2 this winter....would you wait and apply with a stronger application or apply now (to colleges that are less competitive) and petition for the merit aid that goes to 3.0/3.2 and above students later?

Please be kind.

Kid has some extenuating circumstances. Just finding success/good health in the past 3-6 months. No "hook". Just some growth.

Not knocking on Harvard's door. Just looking for a nice school with a major like psychology/special education.