I really hate asking what if questions but I really want to know if i can still get into USC, Boston U, SDSU, U of Miami and UCLA. At the end of the year my CGPA will probably be around a 3.2UW (I slacked off a lot these first two years). Next year I have a rigorous schedule and If I can maintain a 4.0 throughout junior year are those schools possible. I prep for SAT everyday so hopefully I score high and my EC’s are great. So is it possible with a perfect junior year to get into these schools or should I be more realistic with my self. Also I am only in the average math and even though I take honors will that hold me back? So senior year I will be in Hnrs Pre Calc. IF it helps I want to major in something with science. Thanks in advanc
Also University of San Diego
The California schools will be rough anyways if you’re an OOS applicant. Get the GPA up as soon as possible. What was your PSAT?
I am an OOS applicant. Does it make a difference for USC (top choice)? My PSAT was a 165 but that was before I ever opened up a practice book.
You will not have a “perfect” junior year.
Search CC. There are hundreds of posts from Sophs and juniors with sub 3.5 GPAs who talk about "getting a 4.0 for the rest of HS… "
It doesn’t happen.
Not to say that your grades can’t go up, but in the absence of the case where you are going from an AP to a “regular” schedule, you are not going to go from a 3.2 -> 4.0. You need to be looking at schools that typically accept students in the 3.2-3.4 range, which is probably not most of the ones you mentioned.
I think those schools might be reaches for you. Look at places that are more at a match-low reach level. Anticipating that you will get an 1800 on your SAT, you need to be more realistic with your college search.
I agree that there is a 99% chance I will not have a perfect junior year but I just want to know if I do have a perfect year which despite what you say is possible, then is there a chance at those schools?
Ok do any of you know southern California schools that are in my reach. That is where I would really like to go for college.
Only taking Honors might hold you back too because it’s not AP. Your GC might not mark your courseload as ‘most rigorous’ because of that. Also, even if you maintained a 4.0 all junior year, you’d still be at a 3.6. which is low for those schools.
If you manage to get your SAT to 1800, have a 3.4/3.5 cumulative (that’d require close to A- or A in every class you take) SDSU is within reach, but not the others.
What’s your parents’ budget -have you discussed this yet?If not, run the NPC on your state flagship, SDSU, CPP, URedlands, Chapman, Whittier; bring each result and discuss if it’s affordable and within which parameters (ie., can they pay one out of pocket, and the other if you work this summer and part time senior year? will you need to take o the federal loans for all of them or some of them?)
Price is not much of a problem. As fixed as I am with going to the west coast what about schools such as Pitt, Ohio state, Rutgers, and Penn State? Are those even in reach?
You might want to look at UC Merced and some of the less selective CSUs. As for finance, what state are you in. Some of the CSUs as well as Merced are part of the Western Exchange which can bring down the cost of the less selective public institutions. States in the Western Exchange bring the cost of tution to 150% of in state - that is if you are in one of the western states.
No I live on the east coast.
There is no way to possibly assess your prospects at any UCs until you know your Junior grades. They calculate your GPA based on sophomore and junior academic courses, and have a unique method for weighting Honors, AP, and IB classes. Out-of-state applicants are ineligible for admission if their UC-weighted GPA is below 3.4. That is not what you need to get in; that is what you need to be eligible for any UC campus. The most prestigious UCs usually require weighted GPAs over 4.0. SDSU is not as selective as top-tier UCs, but it is probably the most selective CSU (San Jose is also selective for Tech majors). If you want southern California, look into Whittier, Redlands, or Chapman. Are you a NJ or PA resident. If in NJ, and you do well on the SATs, you have a solid shot at Rutgers Arts & Sciences. My older son’s GPA was quite low, but he got into Rutgers. A strong junior year, and decent test scores would give you a shot at Penn State if you are a PA resident. Your GPA might not be strong enough from out-of-state. Without junior grades and test scores there is no way to predict. Come back and ask us next year.