not trying to put you down man but its a lot easier said than done trying to turn your grades around. not saying it can't be done but you must be realistic. i personally know many people who swore to "get 4.0's from now on" in an attempt to salvage their ****** grades. none of them were able to and had to give up their med school dreams. hope you can prove me wrong!
I'll throw in my 2 cents and offer this guy some hope.
I finished my Sophomore year with an 2.75 oGPA, and all my Gen Eds done (read: easier classes). I had slacked off up to that point (I didn't really have any motivation until I stumbled upon Oral Surgery and Dentistry), and realized that I needed to move my ass if I wanted to have even a remote chance.
I busted my butt for the past year, and have had a 3.96 GPA over the past three semesters (Summer: 11 credits, Fall: 16 credits, Spring: 14 credits), only getting an A- in Physics 2 and a B+ in Physics 2 Lab over the summer. I had a perfect 4.0 the past two semesters, and my GPA, at this moment, is sitting at a measly -- but much improved -- 3.27. I'm going to take 6 credits over the first part of summer in order to bump it up to a 3.308 over the first half of summer, and then hopefully I'll be able to pair that up with good DAT scores. If anybody cares for which classes I took over the past year, I'm a Microbiology major so the more notable classes are Physics 2, Orgo 2, Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Eukaryotic Cell Structure. Throw in some advanced Anthropology classes (I have an Anthropology and a Classics minor), two labs and a for-credit TA spot, and that was basically my course load.
I was in a better position than you, but remember that IT IS POSSIBLE. You're going to have to change your life style around, a LOT though. I never really believed people when I was told that once you find your passion, you'll be able to push yourself to the limits, but it's completely true.
Here are the few tips I can humbly offer you:
1)
Kiss your social life goodbye: It's gone, accept it. You messed up and partied until now, it's time to get your grades in order. I went out maybe 4-5 times over the past year, and once was for my 21st birthday. Luckily I have an amazing girlfriend who is going through the same grind I am (except she's much smarter than I am and didn't let her grades drop so she's sitting at a comfy 3.5 oGPA), and we were able to keep each other company. That being said, I was always the one who pushed and studied harder the past year simply because I needed too. You have to make sure you have the discipline to go home from classes each day, watch a few minutes of TV or do something to clear your mind, then hit the books. Take plenty of breaks, but make sure they're only ~10 minutes long.
2)
Go to class: I'm guessing that you skip some if not most of your classes. I did the same. Make sure you watch every lecture, because believe it or not the teacher knows a thing or two about the material and the exams. A bunch of teachers give out extra credit/ exam hints during lectures, so that's always a nice bonus, but even if they don't, you'll be surprised by how much your grades increase if you simply go to class.
3)
Learn how you learn: I study best at night. Dunno why, but my prime study hours are between 5PM - 2AM. I am
not a morning person, so I'm obviously not going to study in the morning. Learn how you study best, and use it to your advantage.
4)
Keep your head up: A bunch of people will tell you it can't be done, and you'll inevitably hit some pitfalls. Always make sure to get back up and dust yourself off so you can keep on moving forward. It's not gonna be easy, but it's definitely possible and it'll feel oh-so-very-sweet when you get the grades you worked your ass off for.
Like I said, it's tough but possible. I know a bunch of people who were in my shoes but weren't able to motivate themselves enough, and I'll agree with dentalstudentprospect2 that more people fail than succeed. However, it IS possible, and I'm sure that if you put your mind to it, you can wreck your next few semesters.
Good luck, keep your head up, and message me if you need any motivation/advice.