Chance me

Hi, I am a high school student who did a gap year, in which I recovered from mental health problem and did some journalistic and other academic studies. I want to apply to Columbia GS, UPenn LPS and NYU Liberal Studies Program (if that is also for the non-traditional student). I haven’t done any credits until this summer, but adding up all my other credits from post-secondary institutions, I will have 18 credits completed by the time of early admission. I will be attending other classes in the continuing education department of different universities in the meantime. Should I apply for early admission? If I don’t and apply the regular one in October, I will have more grades coming out.
For my high school GPA, I have a 90 by my junior year, and due to family problems in the senior year and AP classes, I have an 88.5 in the senior year unweighted. My SAT is 2130 from two tests. I will take an SAT subject test since I am not satisfied with the previous ones; however, the report only comes out around October.
I am still working on my essay, explaining what I did in my gap year and myself in general.
So far, my GPA at college-level institutions is around 3.8 (and I have taken credits from three institutions) I will also have the recommendation letter from College teachers and the place where I interned for journalism.
Judging from my statistics, what is my chance for Columbia GS and UPenn LPS?
Thank you!

GS is rolling admissions. Early Admissions gives you better odds. I honestly don’t know how they quantify “hardship” in their decisions. I know that California schools tend to look at it favorably since you fought back from these issues. Average transfer GPA is 3.9 so you’rel within the grade range.
Academically, you’re doing everything right.
The essay would be about 20-25 percent of how they consider (I little bit less than CA schools, what my admissions manager told me), so really write a good one. Don’t sound generic and pleading like many people with unwarranted gap years. Sound ambitious and optimistic.
The harsh summary is that you’re young with good grades, eca, some work. Great but a bit plain. Everyone (meaning those transferring rather than GS freshman) will have good grades. However, they will have several years of work experience, life stories, and other stuff to make themselves stand out. Even those on the younger end of the spectrum tend to excel at in the own field before coming back to school. eg. athletes, entrepreneurs, entertainment and art, military.
BUT don’t let me discourage you. You have just as good of a chance as anyone. Play your strengths and see where it takes you.

@Cj95zz Where did you get the average transfer GPA from? On the GS website they state “3.7-3.8”.