I’m really nervous about applying to NYU. I have been to campus and met with admission officers to try and get a better understanding for the school and what exactly they are looking for. I believe that I am a good fit for the school, however my sophomore year grades have brought down my GPA drastically. My mother died of cancer my sophmore year and my dad got married a month earlier. I was clinically depressed and I did terribly academically for that entire year. However, in my Junior year I did extremely well and made the honor roll for my second semester with a 3.7 GPA. My overall is now a 2.84 and I am also on track to have a 4.0 for first semester senior year. My Freshman year grades were average and I had a 3.0-3.2 GPA. I want to study Environmental Studies and minor in Japanese. I have taken Japanese for 5 years (Currently in AP) and have taken multiple Earth Science classes (Currently in AP Envi Sci.) I work 20 hours a week, participate in ISEF, was nominated for a female STEM industry program (ChickTech) that I am currently participating in, member of ecology club and tech lab club at my school and have participated in my districts science outdoor school program as a counselor. I am also an adopted female of Hispanic heritage with parents who divorced at a young age. I am taking the SAT in November so I will update this with my scores. I just want to know my chances of getting into the school as this is my dream school? and also if applying EDII is a good idea for me?
You certainly do have an excuse for your GPA, and I’m sorry you had to go through all of that. You will need to make sure to explain this on your application. ED II is certainly a good idea if NYU is your first choice. It will depend mostly on your SAT scores and your essays now. However, if you are absolutely certain you want to go to NYU, one thing you can do to increase your chances is to apply directly to the Liberal Studies Program. With this program, you will spend most of your time completing your graduation requirements (core classes, like math and writing and such) during your freshman and sophomore year, (you can still take a class or two towards your major every year) and then start your junior year in CAS to complete the requirements for your major. The LSP usually accepts students who have lower stats and I would recommend this if you don’t have many AP credits, because if you don’t have many AP creds you will spend most of your freshman and sophomore year working on your core classes anyway so there’s really no difference. If you apply ED II to LSP, your chances will be much higher than if you just apply to CAS.
Thank you so much for your response! I will definitely take applying to LSP into account 
No one really knows what the admissions decision will be. I would suggest that you apply and if you can explain your low GPA in your essay then please go for it. I’m so sorry to Hear about your mom. The NYU app allows you to select your choices of schools. Therefore, you can list LSP and CAS. Also, when my daughter was visiting before being accepted she was told to be very creative in her NYU essay.
Good luck in your decision.