Awful GPA w/ Excuse - Chances?

Chance Me / Match Me!
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<p>May not be a good excuse, but I was hospitalized for a period of time during my Sophomore year of high school and went through a great deal of personal issues. Grades went down the gutter. However, retook the majority of these classes Junior year and am fitting in extra summer classes as well. </p>

<p>I had a 4.0 uw GPA in my Freshman year.</p>

<p>GPA (unweighted) - around 3.0, possibly lower. Hard to say as I am retaking classes. May be around 3.5+ after summer classes and after my grades are replaced.</p>

<p>Rank - No idea.</p>

<p>SAT - around 2350... took the January SAT, and am fairly sure of a superscore of 2400</p>

<p>PSAT - 234</p>

<p>AP Classes
AP Econ (Macro + Micro) - 4
AP Calculus AB - 5
AP Calculus BC - 5
AP Environmental Science - 5
AP Language - 4
AP Literature - 5
AP Chemistry - 4
AP Biology - 5
AP Government - 4
AP European History - 4
AP Psychology - 5</p>

<p>Also -
Math Club President
Middle School Math Coach
Middle School Science Coach
Top 10 at several state level mathematics competitions
AMC 10 score of 120+ Freshman and Sophomore year
Intern at Cardiologist Laboratory
Volunteer and Director at a teaching program at a Research Center
5th Place at a National Level Math Competition
1st Place at a State Level Math Competition
Several small photography/art awards</p>

<p>So all in all, dishearteningly average, although I have always been strong in the area of mathematics and have ranked several times as the #1 female in mathematics competitions. I am a participant and competitor in sports/events that are uncommon among high school and college students, as well, and have earned a few large awards in that venue, but unfortunately, I do not see it doing any good for a college resume. </p>

<p>I have a good relationship with my counselor and several teachers, and recommendation letters as well as college essays are one of my stronger points when it comes to the college application process. </p>

<p>What I am hoping the colleges will see is not an average student who did poorly Sophomore year and was too lazy to do any better, but a student with potential who had overcome difficulties (difficulties that will be supported with a doctor's note and my counselor), and got back up on her feet. My background is a depressing one, and I've been through rough spots and taken wrong turns in the road. Now I am hoping colleges will not hold this against me, though they are in every right to.</p>

<p>I am applying for MIT, Stanford, and Johns Hopkins. I plan to major in mathematics. Any hope?</p>

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<p>Any input would be greatly appreciated, and thanks.</p>

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<p>all i know is that for MIT you have to perfect with percent SAT and a perfect GPA at my school but from what i saw if you werent sick i would think it would be perfect so i would saw MIT is a Mid-to High Reach</p>

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<p>Thank you rooneyisamazing. </p>

<p>I did have a friend who was accepted into MIT with a < 4.0 unweighted GPA, but she was strong in science and engineering. I am hoping that after I have completed the classes I am retaking and extra courses, I will be able to bump up my GPA significantly. I’ve already retaken AP exams with success, so it’s good to hear my chances are still there, however small.</p>

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<p>Also wanted to add that my volunteer hours most likely add up to be rather high. Rather high as in 500-600+ hours at least within my high school career. I have been volunteering at numerous places as a coach, as a teacher, as an assistant, etc., since I can remember. Whether it’s at academic teaching programs, the animal shelter, retirement homes, the library, middle schools, I’ve always been big on volunteering and enjoy it immensely. </p>

<p>Just in case volunteer hours count much for anything.</p>

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<p>It’s interesting to read this thread, considering I am in just about the same position. I was sick for an extended period of time and I am just now gaining ground as far as my GPA is concerned. I should have it up to a 3.6 or so by the time I apply to colleges, but by rights it should be perfect. But, there’s no use crying over spilt milk, you know. I’ve tried to distinguish myself in other areas, and I’m taking a very challenging course load. I would recommend you do the same, if you haven’t already (and it looks like you have, based on your amount of hours volunteering). I spoke with my guidance counselor recently and I learned that colleges are increasingly looking at course load difficulty and how you perform junior/senior year as more telling indicators than GPA, because GPA can be so subjective. She may have a point, although GPA is, of course, still terribly important. I really wouldn’t worry if I were you. You sound like someone who takes work seriously and wants to get ahead in life. If you aren’t accepted to your top schools, I would strongly recommend looking at a number of less-selective liberal arts schools. They offer an outstanding education and can be an excellent place to distinguish oneself academically and outside the classroom. If you do really well at one of these smaller schools, I think graduate school at a top-ranked institution becomes a very real possibility. That’s what I’m thinking more and more about these days. I mean, I still have my ivy-league reach university that I’ll be applying to, but think of the cost! My family is part of the middle-class that’s too rich to qualify for need-based aid, yet not quite rich enough to pay ridiculous amounts for an undergraduate education. I don’t know what your financial situation is, but graduating debt-free from a public liberal arts college in four years and then using saved-up funds to attend a top ranked (ivy) graduate school sounds very nice. </p>

<p>I’d look into it, at the very least, if I were you. And best of luck, all the same! I hope you get into MIT!</p>