<p>I had an atrocious junior year filled with depression, health problems, and "drama" with friends which caused my grades to suffer; I ended the year with 4 A's, 5 B's, and a C. Can great marks 1st quarter of senior year compensate for this? My counselor is going to write me a letter explaining everything...how much can this compensate too?</p>
<p>i also should mention i have a 2300 SAT but my GPA weighted is around 3.5</p>
<p>I don't know for the UC system because they only count sophomore and junior year grades........</p>
<p>your first semester senior grades can help... but considering the fact that your sat is amazing and your gpa is below their standards, i would bank on phenomenal essays. touch on the depression you experienced in your third essay. your stats are pretty tough so i wouldn't guarantee anything either way, but i would say you have a shot. just really work on those essays.</p>
<p>best of luck!</p>
<p>also i might add-- uc's don't take letters of recommendation of any kind so your counselor's letter won't be of any use unfortunately.</p>
<p>Honestly, I think they can help. I had straight B's my second semester junior year since I was hospitalized twice for reasons lol. Um, I actually did not bring up my hospitalization at all in my application so it looked like I just slacked off and got straight B's. I think my 1 semester senior year I only got one B and the rest A's and I got in. My mother was all over me about my junior year saying how it would ruin my application. Then again, and I say this not to be cocky, but I had really strong essays and leadership roles in my school. So it might have been that that saved me, it's not like thye send home a detailed analysis of your application.</p>
<p>I disagree that senior year grades can help. Unless you're borderline with your case as is, it won't matter because they won't ask for supplemental information.</p>
<p>TruthfuLie:</p>
<p>UCLA: Slight Reach</p>
<p>
If the extenuating circumstances were considerable enough, go ahead and mention it in your third essay. The most important thing here though is to not sound like you’re making excuses. As for first semester of your senior year - if you’re continue to take APs and continuing your ECs, make sure you reiterate this point. As for depression - make sure you know that you’re being treated for it and that you know how to handle yourself responsibility. Depression (and any other “mental illnesses” - I hate using this term; it’s just so charged!) has/have stigmas. Don’t mention anything about suicide (I’m just trying to be clear; not making assumptions). It could severely hurt you.</p>
<p>no they cannot</p>