CONFUSED...dont know where I should apply..need YOUR help

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>OK, so I am REALLY confused about how selective of a school I should apply to. Below are my stats, and as you can see...I have a really really low GPA. I don't know how much my good SAT scores, good EC's, good essay, and other stuff make up for the low GPA. I also have a really valid reason for the low GPA which I have been told is not considered a pity reason but rather a legit explanation. </p>

<p>Middle Eastern American Male
!st gen to go to college
Psychology or Biology major</p>

<p>Unweighted GPA - 3.0 (yea i know) </p>

<p>SAT - 2130/2400
Math - 750
Reading - 690
Writing - 690</p>

<p>AP Psychology
AP Enviromental Science
AP US History
AP Economics
AP Political Systems</p>

<p>Rest are honors/gifted</p>

<p>EC's
- Debate Club President
- Debate Team Captain
- Philosophy Club Vice President
- DECA, BETA, FBLA, Interact, and International Club member.
- Mock Trial participant.</p>

<p>Laws of Life Essay Contest winner
Extemporaneous Speaking Contest 2nd Place winner
Literary Meet 2nd Place winner
Intern at hospital
Medical Conference (attending this summer)
250 hours of community service hours (medicine related)</p>

<p>So my question is..how selective of a school(s) should I shoot for?</p>

<p>Top 10, top 20, top 50, top 100? </p>

<p>If I could go anywhere it would be either Emory U, Boston U, Baylor U, or any UC's.</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

2

<p>BU and Baylor seem reasonable. Top 20 does not.</p>

<p>I really wonder if there is any reason colleges will accept, as in overlook, for a low GPA. It's hard to imagine unless the low GPA just happened for a short period to a kid who otherwise has stellar grades.</p>

<p>There are tons of kids on this site alone who site death in family, illness, something happening to a friend, depression and so on. Does anyone know of anyone who got into a school their stats implied they wouldn't because of any one of these things or something else?</p>

3

<p>Emory won't happen, UCs probably won't happen, Boston U maybe, but a reach. Try Top 100 schools, especially state schools. They will drool over your SAT and may be able to forgive your GPA.</p>