If you didn’t score big in your 12th grade, take a deep breath. It’s not the end of the road. In fact, it could be the beginning of something different—and maybe even better suited for you. Low percentages don’t define your potential, especially when the US job market values skills, passion, and commitment just as much as grades.
What Is Considered a Low Percentage in 12th Grade?
In the US, high school students receive GPA scores rather than percentages, but for reference:
- Below 2.0 GPA (or 60% and under) is generally considered low.
- A GPA between 2.0 and 2.5 (or 60-70%) is average but may restrict entry into competitive universities.
But here’s the deal: plenty of doors are still wide open.
Want to Improve Your Score? Here’s What You Can Do First
Before diving into career options, some of you may want a second chance at your scores. You can:
- Retake specific classes in summer school
- Enroll in credit recovery programs
- Take online high school diploma completion programs (like Penn Foster or Excel High School)
- Go for GED (General Educational Development) tests if you’re eligible
- These can boost your academic record and give you more choices down the road.
Career Options After Scoring Low Percentage in 12th
Here’s a comprehensive list of career pathways that don’t necessarily require high GPAs but can still lead to stable and even lucrative careers. These have been grouped into categories to help you explore based on your interests:
Creative & Visual Arts Careers (No GPA Barrier)
- Graphic Designer
- Fashion Stylist
- Makeup Artist
- Tattoo Artist
- Photographer
- Animator
- Interior Decorator
- Art Therapist
- YouTuber
- Illustrator
- Digital Painter
- Video Editor
- Voice Artist
- Comic Book Artist
- Jewelry Designer
- Set Designer
- Muralist
- Packaging Designer
- Concept Artist
- 3D Modeler
Technology & Digital Careers
- Web Developer
- UI/UX Designer
- IT Support Specialist
- Data Entry Operator
- Digital Marketer
- Social Media Manager
- SEO Executive
- Game Tester
- App Developer (via bootcamps)
- Cybersecurity Technician
- Virtual Assistant
- AI Prompt Writer
- Email Marketing Specialist
- Graphic Motion Designer
- E-commerce Specialist
- CRM Assistant
- WordPress Developer
Healthcare (Non-Medical Roles)
- Medical Transcriptionist
- Pharmacy Technician
- Phlebotomist
- Home Health Aide
- Dental Assistant
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Occupational Therapy Aide
- Physical Therapy Assistant
- Medical Biller/Coder
- Massage Therapist
- Health Coach
- Nutrition Assistant
- Patient Care Technician
- Medical Equipment Preparer
- EKG Technician
- Lab Assistant
Trades & Vocational Careers
- Electrician
- Plumber
- HVAC Technician
- Auto Mechanic
- Welder
- Carpenter
- Solar Panel Installer
- Elevator Installer
- Industrial Machine Operator
- Landscaper
- Roofer
- Painter
- Locksmith
- Boat Mechanic
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Fire Sprinkler Technician
Hospitality, Travel, and Culinary
- Chef
- Pastry Chef
- Bartender
- Waitstaff Manager
- Cruise Ship Crew
- Housekeeping Supervisor
- Concierge
- Hotel Front Desk Clerk
- Event Coordinator
- Tour Guide
- Cabin Crew
- Resort Staff
- Food Truck Owner
- Travel Vlogger
- Camp Host
- Theme Park Staff
Business & Administration
- Administrative Assistant
- Bookkeeper
- Office Clerk
- Data Entry Clerk
- Receptionist
- Billing Coordinator
- Customer Support Agent
- Payroll Assistant
- Store Manager
- Call Center Agent
- Shipping Coordinator
- Inventory Clerk
- Courier Dispatcher
- Sales Associate
- Real Estate Agent
- Insurance Agent
Education & Training (Entry Level Roles)
- Preschool Teacher Assistant
- Daycare Worker
- Special Needs Aide
- Online English Tutor
- After-School Program Assistant
- Library Assistant
- Camp Counselor
- Playground Supervisor
- Art Class Assistant
Fitness, Sports & Wellness
- Fitness Trainer (with certification)
- Zumba Instructor
- Yoga Teacher
- Dance Instructor
- Martial Arts Coach
- Lifeguard
- Sports Referee
- Outdoor Camp Trainer
- Wellness Coach
- Gym Assistant
Media, Communication & Content Creation
- Blogger
- Podcaster
- Radio Jockey
- Video Content Creator
- Voiceover Artist
- Script Writer
- Meme Creator
- PR Assistant
- Social Media Content Producer
- Subtitling Specialist
Freelancing & Online Gigs
- Etsy Shop Owner
- Freelance Writer
- Stock Photographer
- Amazon KDP Author
- Print-on-Demand Artist
- Dropshipper
- Virtual Store Manager
- Online Survey Taker
- Remote Research Assistant
- Fiverr Service Seller
- Online Tutor
- Language Translator
- Resume Writer
- Proofreader
- Digital Product Creator
The U.S. Military
- Cyber Systems Operator
- Broadcast Journalist
- Air Traffic Controller
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Cryptologic Linguist
- Helicopter Repairer
- Paralegal Specialist
- Aircraft Electrician
- Special Forces
- Sonar Technician
- Cook
Direct to Work & Apprenticeships
Sometimes, the fastest way to get ahead is to start working and learning on the job. Many industries have apprenticeships that pay you while you learn and train you for a skilled position.
- Firefighter
- Police Officer
- Commercial Diver
- Boilermaker
- Elevator Installer
- Flight Attendant
- HVAC Technician
- Electrician
- Plumber
- Bank Teller
- Administrative Assistant
- Real Estate Agent
- Insurance Agent
- Sales Representative
- Retail Manager
- Data Entry Clerk
- Social Media Assistant
- Flight Attendant
- Customer Service Representative
Courses You May Not Qualify for With Low Percentage (and What You Can Do Instead)
You might find it challenging to get into:
- Ivy League colleges or top-tier universities
- Pre-medical or pre-law programs
- Engineering (with GPA-based admission)
- Research-heavy programs in Science
- Competitive business majors
Alternatives:
- Join a community college first and then transfer to a 4-year university
- Take certification programs (Coursera, Udemy, Skillshare, etc.)
- Opt for Associate’s Degrees in relevant fields
- Join bootcamps for coding, design, or marketing
- Enroll in trade schools or polytechnic colleges
Low scores don’t mean low success. Many successful people in the world didn’t start with perfect grades. What matters is finding the right path that aligns with your strengths. With over 150+ career ideas here, you have options—plenty of them. Don’t give up. Plan smart, take action, and you’ll go far.