<p>I'm a prospective student at Carnegie Mellon and I am wondering, before I apply, how my chances look.</p>
<p>I should first explain that in ninth grade, a terrible tragedy occurred at the beginning of the year that sharply affected my motivation in school. That year, I finished with a 2.4GPA..</p>
<p>However, the following two years I strived to do better, in 10th grade I got a 3.8, in 11th, a 4.12, and in 12th I'm prospecting a 4.6 (on the weighted scale). So my final GPA should be a 3.7, currently it is a 3.4.</p>
<p>In tenth grade I took two math classes. In eleventh, I took two science classes. I had Honors English 9-11, AP English now in 12th. Last year I took Acad. Chemistry and Acad. Physics, AP US History, and this year AP Calculus and AP Physics. </p>
<p>On the SATs, I scored a 1250, but I am re-taking them. I will also be taking the SAT II subject tests.</p>
<p>There are many extra-circcular activities I am involved with, and I also have a year in a half work experience, working a variety of jobs at a grocery store 20-30 hours each week (more during the summer).</p>
<p>I hope that my ninth grade year doesn't ruin me forever, had I done well that year, I would be in the top 5% of my class..</p>
<p>todd--i'm sure you have nothing to worry about! Your grades are good and you seem to be very motivated! You've pulled up your grades since 9th and i think that as long as you mention that during 9th grade you had a situation that affected your marks, they won't really penalize you for it. Your grades for 10th through 12th seem to have been great! And i'm sure that they'll notice that! Don't forget--a lot of freshmen screw up their grades! (at least in my school--'cause they aren't necessarily thinking of college yet!) Also, even if you aren't extremely confident of your chances for getting accepted you should still try! You might end up regretting not applying just because you felt you might not get in. Best of luck!</p>
<p>If you tell admissions about your personal tragedy in the ninth grade they will defo allow for your lower GPA that year, I'm sure of it... You might as well rub that out from your slate... That said, the rest of your sats are promising, go for it mate!</p>
<p>Improve SAT by at least 50 points. The rest of your stats are good, as long as you can explain that low gpa. You definetly have a shot, good luck</p>
<p>I would agree with what was said above. Also, it is easier to get into their Humanities school than that of any other school. I really do think that you have a decent shot. I also agree that you should try to raise your SATs by about 30 points, and you should be a "shoe in."</p>
<p>The next date available to take the SAT1 Reasoning Test again is in January (the 22nd). Will they wait to review my application until after they receive the results?</p>