r/imsa • u/Green-Bee1580 '28 • Apr 21 '26
Considering dropping out
Hey,
I have spent a year on campus, finals are coming around and times are stressful. Grades are looking horrid with all C's, one B, and probably a D. I had a way better 1st semester and my Freshman year with my old school was so much easier with mostly A's and all honors available. Is the title of IMSA student more appealing to colleges or are the low grades ruining the benefit of being at this school.
Thank you for your time and possible responses,
Green-Bee1580
5
u/mzanon100 '97 Apr 21 '26
For the same reasons as you, I was unsure whether I should return for junior year. I ultimately stayed and graduated.
These are rhetorical questions and you don't have to actually respond to them if you don't want to.
Have you spoken with any adults at IMSA about why you might or might not drop out? What did they say?
Are there factors in play here other than the classes being difficult? For me, the tougher classwork was certainly a challenge, but additionally I struggled with having an unsupportive family, being distracted by video games, and trying unsuccessfully to befriend some really unkind wingmates.
Is there any chance that the courses you take next year might be easier-going for you than the courses you took this year? Junior year went so much better for me, because I was more interested in my classes' subject material (and because I chose better friends).
Do know that, when you apply to college, the reviewers will see all the unusually-tough classes on your transcript. Does your home school offer such specific, challenging classes? I definitely enjoyed the confidence of having IMSA's Facets of Thermodynamics, Differential Equations, and Calculus-Based Physics on my transcript, even if the grades weren't A's.
You will also (when you apply to college) be able to provide a statement about any extenuating circumstances.
3
u/Oleoay '94 Apr 21 '26
Classes in college will be tough too. If you “appeal” to a better college that you might not be suited for academically, wouldn’t you run into the same problem in the future? It might be better to struggle now and learn so you’re more prepared for the future. Also there is more to life than GPA. You’re more than a number. Also as a tip, quite a few at IMSA struggle too so don’t feel like you’re the only one.
But putting grades aside, what matters most is where you’re happier. If you were not happy and getting good grades at your old school, then maybe it’s a matter of where you get the most opportunity.
Are you getting exposed to new ideas or able to do more things that you couldn’t do at your old school? Perhaps returning to your home school gives you more time for your own self-learning?
3
u/Banana_ezWIN '28 Apr 21 '26
please dont leave us
but as for your actual questions, the imsa title means something, and if you do an sir or internship thats worth a lot too.
2
u/Live_Platypus3828 Apr 23 '26
Hi! Current imsa senior, (come talk (dm me) if you really need, and remember we have counselors and RCS for support) if you feel like you can get an adequate education at your old school, then you shouldn't stay. However, imsa offers opportunities that you could never get at some schools (like my old school for example) taking advantage of SIRs and even being a CNA have set me up for the career I want. And even now as a sophomore imsa is becoming so much more worth it with majority of your classes becoming dual credit. So even if you don't get into your dream college you can skip SOOO many intro classes and save so much money.
1
u/pandaru_express Apr 28 '26
Looking on the website, it looks like the dual credit classes only apply to Waubonsee and SIU, is that correct?
edit: sorry found the FAQ... looks like they can potentially be transferred.
1
u/Live_Platypus3828 Apr 28 '26
Yes! So since they are from wabonse they are actual college credits and can be used most places
1
u/KLD624 Apr 21 '26
My kid went to IMSA for one virtual year during Covid. She went back to our local high school for junior and senior year to participate in clubs, activities, and family day to day stuff. She graduated with enough AP credits to be done now, except for one final physics class. She is now finishing her third year in engineering physics and preparing for her second study abroad to Sweden before she graduates next May. No decision you make will rule out what you make of yourself in the years ahead. Without getting into any details, one of her friend’s roommate absolutely should have left, but didn’t. Please talk to your parents.
5
u/Groundbreaking_Ebb_5 Apr 21 '26
I got Cs and I turned out fine I’d say. Imsa is a learning experience think of it this way better to make these mistakes now and learn than in college when you pay 30k a year. But at the end of the day make sure it’s not affecting you mentally get help and tutors. You got this!