<p>3.25 GPA
33 ACT
Few AP's
Upward trend in grades (3.0 frosh to 3.7 junior year)
low/middle income 25 hr/week job</p>
<p>There were a few economic/family issues my freshman and soph year. Any particular way I should word these on the personal statement?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Well on the application there are statements allowed to be made, though only if you think it has affected your academic performance in a way, which is the reason for the brief statement ( I think).</p>
<p>Have your counselor send in a statement. Otherwise, colleges might wonder if you are exaggerating your situation/making it up and you might sound “whiny”. Your counselor likely has to send your colleges a recommendation anyways, AND s/he is probably more experienced with writing such letters.</p>
<p>Best of luck! You could always send in a statement as well, but I’d definitely brief your counselor on your situation and ask him/her to mention the problems you’ve had in your rec letter.</p>
<p>I definitely agree with Anonymous. I was in almost the exact same situation as you when I applied. I had a low GPA (like 3.3) but got a 31 on the ACT. I too had problems sophomore junior year, and i actually wrote my own statement on the application, but also had my counselor send in an additional statement to make it somewhat official so it didn’t look like I was trying to make excuses. But most colleges want to hear it from your words to, because I would assume unless you’re like BEST friends with your counselor, you’re not going to share all the details. So do both. They both help! And as for chances, I would say you have a pretty decent shot. You may get placed on the waitlist the first round, but by the second round in March/April? (I can’t remember when they send out decisions lol), they’ll probably take you off the waitlist. That’s what happened to me. </p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>i got in with something around your stats (and no special hook), with maybe a bit higher on the gpa but only a 31 act. the U will most likely not care and you’ll be accepted. those grades are good enough if you show them that you had enough AP and other challenging courses.</p>