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Tips for Applying to
Colleges with Low
Grades
Michael Berlau
Introduction
 Based in Overland Park, Kansas, Michael Berlau has served
as a college solutions specialist with College Funding and
Planning since 2008. In this position, Michael Berlau
provides students and families with a range of college
planning services, including strategies for applying to
colleges with subpar grades.
A high school student’s transcript and cumulative grade
point average is an important aspect of their college
application. However, students who, for whatever reason,
failed to meet academic expectations over the course of
high school have a few options.
To start, students must take responsibility for their
academic performance during high school. With that said,
college admissions officers understand that grades are not
always the best indicator of academic achievement.
Low Grades
 Students can use admission essays and interviews to explain why
they feel they underachieved during their high school years and
what they will do to maximize their abilities moving forward.
Recommendation letters, especially those from high school
counselors and teachers who can speak to any improvements a
student has made over time, can be helpful when it comes to
corroborating a student’s commitment to future academic success.
Recommendation letters from employers can also help admissions
officers appreciate how hard a student will work to meet their
goals.
Finally, students who feel their grades may simply be too low to
gain acceptance to the college of their choice should consider
community college. Students can take one or two years of classes
at a local community college, improve their grades, and reapply to
colleges.

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Tips for Applying to Colleges with Low Grades

  • 1. Tips for Applying to Colleges with Low Grades Michael Berlau
  • 2. Introduction  Based in Overland Park, Kansas, Michael Berlau has served as a college solutions specialist with College Funding and Planning since 2008. In this position, Michael Berlau provides students and families with a range of college planning services, including strategies for applying to colleges with subpar grades. A high school student’s transcript and cumulative grade point average is an important aspect of their college application. However, students who, for whatever reason, failed to meet academic expectations over the course of high school have a few options. To start, students must take responsibility for their academic performance during high school. With that said, college admissions officers understand that grades are not always the best indicator of academic achievement.
  • 3. Low Grades  Students can use admission essays and interviews to explain why they feel they underachieved during their high school years and what they will do to maximize their abilities moving forward. Recommendation letters, especially those from high school counselors and teachers who can speak to any improvements a student has made over time, can be helpful when it comes to corroborating a student’s commitment to future academic success. Recommendation letters from employers can also help admissions officers appreciate how hard a student will work to meet their goals. Finally, students who feel their grades may simply be too low to gain acceptance to the college of their choice should consider community college. Students can take one or two years of classes at a local community college, improve their grades, and reapply to colleges.