<p>So, unfortunately junior year was extremely hard on me between family issues and stressful classes. I always take the highest possible course that I can in each subject. I'm heavily involved in extra-curricular activities and I have a few leadership positions in some of them. However, this year I got three C's in Pre-Calculus Honors, AP US History, and Chemistry Honors. I write really good essays and I am a diverse student. Should I forget applying to New York University for Early Decision? Should I forget applying to the University of Pennsylvania for Early Decision? Should I aim for something a lot lower, even though I am a bright student? My grades really don't reflect my intellect and it's unfortunately how the grade system works at my school, but being realistic, what should I do? Any advice would help. Thanks! </p>
<p>Potential Colleges I Might Apply To:
-University of Pennsylvania
-New York University
-Villanova University
-Lehigh University</p>
<p>Are there any other colleges you guys might suggest?</p>
<p>Apply to whatever school you’re genuinely interested in. Is there any harm in doing so? A possible denial shouldn’t deter you. Those schools are competitive so in no way should you feel frustrated with the results. Take a chance and pursue the school you love the most.</p>
<p>With that being said, you still need to retain a practical mindset and add several schools that you’re confident you can get into.</p>
<p>You might find more responses by posting this in the “Chances” forum. Include your unweighted GPA and your SAT or ACT scores. That said, struggling in junior year is a tough problem. On the surface, without knowing your full profile - grades, scores, URM status, etc, it’s hard to be optimistic about a place like Penn even with ED. Give us a little bit more information and maybe people will have more insights for you.</p>
<p>Without knowing your GPA/SAT/ACT scores, I think with three C’s this year, you need to be more realistic in your college choices. It is always fine to go for a reach school, but don’t use an ED on a school you have no chance at (again, I don’t know your stats to opine on that). If you had some overriding family issues, definitely explain them in your application (in your essay, or there is a section for additional information) but “stressful classes” isn’t a reason for poor grades at the top schools – they pretty much expect you to take and succeed in a difficult curriculum.</p>