<p>I'm a decent applicant. I have good activities, SAT's, etc, but my biggest problem is my GPA. Overall, it's 3.29, but my senior year GPA is 2.7 (yes, it's bad, but it's related to my father's death). What do you think this does for my chances? Does it really kill them, even if overall it's 3.29? Any advice on how to represent it?</p>
<p>Any help is much appreciated. Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>chances for what schools?</p>
<p>you have good chances at lots and lots of schools!!!!!</p>
<p>Excellent point :D</p>
<p>I'm applying to McGill, U-Toronto, U-Mich, Vassar, William and Mary, and possibly a few others, but I was speaking more generally. I don't know if that negatively affects me or not.</p>
<p>Write an essay about it, but don't make it sound like an excuse.</p>
<p>It's a bit early to write off the whole semester, isn't it? It's only the first week in October; you have the opportunity to pull your GPA up.</p>
<p>Then, for your applications, ask your GC to write about your father's death. You can mention it in your application as well, in the Additional Info section, without dwelling on it. </p>
<p>The fact of your father's death will also come up in your FA application, since it will be a substantial change in circumstances from last year's financial picture, on which most FA awards are based.</p>
<p>You still have time. I'll wager that you'll be just fine.</p>
<p>Take William and Mary off of your list. You will be rejected because of your way too low, GPA. The other school's look like major reaches for you as well. Spend one year at a college where you can build up your GPA, then try to transfer. I am sorry to hear of your father's death, however I doubt that would be given any consideration in the application process. Your GPA in high school is way too low. Sorry.</p>