<p>Hello, please be kind when leaving comments. To provide some background information, the reason my GPA is low is because I was struggling with major depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder throughout high school. I also attempted suicide. Since then I have overcome all mental illness.</p>
<p>I am applying to New York University, Fordham, Columbia, and the Macaulay program at Baruch. I know that NYU and Columbia are quite a stretch. Also, any ideas regarding financial aid and scholarships? I posted information about my family's income near the end.</p>
<p>GPA: unweighted 3.43, weighted 3.945
Class rank: 33/367</p>
<p>ACT score: Composite 33
English = 33
Math = 34
Reading = 34
Science = 31
Writing = 6
Combined English/Writing = 28</p>
<p>Extracurricular activities:
- Gay Straight Alliance member (2011-2012)
- Class Board member (2019-2011)
- Student Council class rep. and co-president (2009-2012)
- Volunteering at National Alliance of Minnesota (2012-present)
- Volunteering tutor at elementary school (2011)
- Volunteering craft teacher at nursing home (2009)</p>
<p>I also spent a large chunk of my personal time in 2010-2012 in a group called Dialectical Behavioral Therapy AND personal therapy, which is for teenagers living with mental illness. These combined accounted for over 350 hours during those 3 years. </p>
<p>I participate in the Post Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) program, which is where high school students take classes on the college campus, just like regular college students. Last academic year (2011-2012) I attended 3 college courses and received the grades A, A, A-. This year I am enrolled in the program full time so I no longer attend high school, though I am still technically enrolled there. I am taking 4 college courses (16 credits) and have received grades A, A, A, B. Those last 4 grades have not yet been calculated into my GPA, though I suspect it is now around 3.8/4. By the end of this year I will have completed 1.5 years of college. </p>
<p>I work two jobs while technically attending college full-time, which is somewhat uncommon for high school students (I'm hoping it will help me stand out a little). My first job is at a family-owned grocery store, where I've worked for 2.5 years since I was 15 years old; I work there 10-15 hours/week. My second job is at Perkins restaurant, where I've worked for 5 months; I also work there 10-15 hours/week. To be clear, I don't work two jobs because I need the money-- I really enjoy working and it helps with my social skills.</p>
<p>In terms of recommendation letters, I have four that I have been spreading out between the schools. Two are from college professors, one is from my boss at the grocery store, and the last is from a high school counselor. In my opinion they are exceptional letters, though I'm not certain what others would think. </p>
<p>Gender: Female
Ethnicity: Korean (adopted)
Age: 17
Siblings: I have 2 siblings (age 20 and 23), one of whom just graduated and another of whom is currently in college.</p>
<p>Income: Upper middle class (parents are divorced, dad is remarried. My mom earns $160K and dad earns $250K)</p>
<p>Okay so just to reiterate, I'm wondering what my chances of being accepted are at New York University, Fordham, Columbia, and the Macaulay program at Baruch. I'm also wondering whether I have ANY chance of financial aid and/or scholarships at these schools.</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>