I was depressed my freshman and sophomore years at high school and i finished them with a little lower than a 3.5 UW gpa but was enrolled in the hardest courses at my school (one of the top public schools in Illinois). At then end of junior year, I had a 3.66 UW because I got help for my depression and started working hard by getting straight As in all my classes junior year. I’m involved with a few EC (sports medicine club, executive board, gima, and mathletes) and played field hockey and lacrosse all 4 years. I do a lot of charity work and have teachers that i know will write me stellar recommendations. I scored a 34 on my ACT and 780 on all my SATs. It is my absolute dream to go to Duke! I know my gpa is low, but will my dramatic incline, the rigor of my courses, and the fact I was severely depressed impact their decision? I hope to major in biology to study and become a doctor.
Did you mention this in your essay? I mean your depression, and how you overcame it? If you went from straight up flunking or getting Bs and Cs, and suddenly went up to As and working while being in sports and clubs, that will be really impressive. I really hope you haven’t submitted your essay yet, because that needs to be in the essay, which is the only place aside from the interview where you can talk about yourself as a person.
If it’s too late for the essay, MAKE SURE YOU INCLUDE THIS IN YOUR INTERVIEW. Sneak it in there, especially if your interviewer asks why you had such terrible grades for your first two years.
Your SAT/ACT scores are pretty freaking impressive. You will definitely be looked at with those scores and are bound to get scholarships. If you whipped yourself into shape really well, it might be a deciding factor.
Hope you get accepted into your dream school! :"> Judging by your recovery, you’d make an excellent doctor. Good Luck!
Be sure you discuss this in your essay and that your GC includes this in his/her recommendation. You can potentially turn this negative (GPA) into a positive (overcoming adversity), HOWEVER, your essay must be compelling – and that is quite difficult, especially given the word limitation. Please work VERY HARD on this essay (countless drafts and countless hours).