Junior in high school with low gpa?

It does seem like your Junior year grades are better than your Sophomore year grades, which looks good on college admissions. Keep working at it!

In response to your questions:

1. I don't have that good grades... But do you think they're too bad?

You only have one C, so generally they look about average to me. The average ACT score is a 21, so you are above average and good enough for UCLA, which a pretty good school. You say you will get into the college you are planning on, so that should be alright. Check to make sure your G.P.A. is high enough for the college as well, but I suspect it is.

2. What can I do? I really want to try hard, but never can bring myself to because I always feel like I'm not going to be as good as my friends anyway (my best friend is SUPER smart, probably one of the smartest people in the grade) so why should I try anyway?

Trying hard will ALWAYS result in better grades than not trying and working hard will always trump being "naturally smart." You will be happier with your final GPA if you try than if you give up now.

I gave up through the first year of college and I have regretted it ever since.

Also trying will give you more options college-wise. If you don't try, you may not even get into the college you think you can get into now.

I know you are probably feeling really discouraged right now, but your first semester grades look promising and I know you can keep it up this semester. Giving up will not help you now or in college.

3. So do you think this will look really bad on my transcript? Especially in comparison to everyone else 3.8-4.0+ gpas?

I don't think EVERYONE has 3.8-4.0 GPAs. Don't focus on everyone else or you will get discouraged. Keep working for yourself, and you will improve.

Additional notes: High school really does not matter very much in the grand scheme of things. It's your college GPA that will determine your future. Consider high school an exercise in persistence, a place to practice for college.

Don't give up! :)

NO it isn't low. The very best was once a 4.Zero. HOw did you get a four.Eight? You have to be high-quality. With a high gpa like this, you are going to acquire scholarships from ALL colleges! Start doing these applications NOW!!!

Are you serious? You're grades are very good so stop that arrogant attitude and trying to think you're stupid when you're not. I am 17 and have walked through high school with mediocre grades (AP, honors, and cp courses), 3.0 GPA, and 25 ACT and got into each school and their business schooI applied to (University of Iowa - top 10, Il State Univ, Bowling Green State Univ, Univ of MN, twin cities, UIC-Chicago, and a few more). Stop worrying and open your eyes to reality here: high school grades are stressed over too much. Get over yourself.