Chances? Bad grades?

<p>I started high school with a 3.7 during freshman year and a 3.3 junior year.. Horrible, I know.
I'm currently in junior year. So far, I've aced most of my tests this year and plan on having a much higher GPA through more effort and dedication. I'm aiming for a 3.8 to 3.9</p>

<p>I also took slightly challenging classes, such as Honors Bio during freshman year (A), and AP US History during sophomore year (A-). This year, the only challenging classes I had offered to me was Physics, which I am doing well in so far. </p>

<p>If I maintain a 3.8 or above this year and senior year, will I have a chance at a school like NYU?</p>

<p>As for the SATs, I'll be taking them for the first time in October and I've been preparing since this summer. Based on my practice tests, I expect a score around 1650. (This is my first time taking it, and I plan on improving a lot more before senior year starts.. hopefully in the 1800-2000 range)</p>

<p>My extra curricular activities include: </p>

<p>-Violin (Youth orchestra since 9th grade, private lessons since 3rd grade, multiple performances including several recitals, festivals, and a recital at Carnegie Hall)
-President of Diversity Club in high school since 10th grade, memeber since 9th
-Tennis Club member since 10th
-Co-Editor of the school newspaper since this year
-Key Club member since this year
-Volunteering at my local hospital during summer</p>

<p>I might also join the student council as well starting this week!</p>

<p>And since I know affirmative action can be influential for admission, I'm Japanese and Bengali & both of my parents are well educated (dad is a medical doctor, mom is a medical lab tech) and our income is above $400k a year. I have been told I'm a strong writer too so I hope to use that as an advantage for my college application essay.</p>

<p>Anyone want to chance me for NYU?
Thanks!</p>

<p>Your grades are in no way bad, especially for nyu. A 3.8 gpa is much higher then most nyu applicants have. An Sat of 1900-2000 would be ok for Cas, Wagner, Tisch , and Steinhard but stern should be 2100-2400 </p>

<p>Nyu: Match</p>

<p>You are definitely within the range of accepted students. However, be aware that you are also in the range of rejected students. I think that you definitely have a shot, though you’re not a shoe-in. No one is.</p>

<p>Thanks guys! So there’s not much I can do to bump up my chances? I’m applying to CAS</p>