Hi, I’m currently a HS senior with a 3.33 UW gpa and a 3.98 W gpa. I have always been a pretty good student up until my freshman year of high school when a very close family member’s health quickly deteriorated due to thyroid cancer and I went into a spiraling depression. I maintained decent grades the first half of the year (3.5 UW) and then severely went down the second half (2.5) when my aunt passed away. I spent the first half of my sophomore year struggling with their death and trying to just get through the day. I ended the first half of my sophomore year with a 3.5 UW gpa and then managed to overcome some of my struggles the second half of this year and managed to receive a 4.5 UW gpa/4.0 W gpa. Tragically, my grandfather, who was practically my father for the majority of my life since my biological father had either been preoccupied with his own life or working, had developed stomach cancer and became gravely ill for about four months. During these four months I spent nearly every free moment I had caring and making sure he was as comfortable as he could be as my grandmother is elderly and could only do so much. Thankfully, through his constant words of encouragement, I was able to keep my grades in check. I ended with a 4.25 UW gpa and 3.9 W gpa the first half. After his passing, I was yet again left in a depressed state that I thought would never end. I tried my absolute best to continue the upwards pattern with my grades, but sadly ended with a 3.75 W gpa and a 3.5 gpa. I have taken AP US History and AP Language and Comp. and received 3’s on both (I am among three of 90 students at my school who passed either test) I have also received a 1750 on my SAT when my school’s average is 1240. I have managed to work past these traumatizing events and work as hard as I possibly can with what little time I have left in high school. However, besides my struggle with depression, I did manage to get some EC’s in. I’ve done marching band all three years (including this one), been apart of Circle of Friends, Key Club, NHS, and Mecha. I have also volunteered with countless organizations (especially those pertaining to animals) and have been told that my personal statement has brought many to tears. I would absolutely love to be lucky enough to receive admission from UC Davis, do I have any chance?
UC GPA? http://rogerhub.com/gpa-calculator-uc/
Average UC GPA for UCD is 4.07. Average SAT is 1935.
Your essays could be compelling enough to give you that extra boost and increase your chances but based on your current stats, UCD is a Reach. I would try To retake the SAT. You are a solid applicant for UCR/UCM and UCSC is also possible. If you are a California resident, consider some competitive Cal states such as SDSU/ CSULB/ SJSU/CSUF to name a few.
Good luck and very sorry for your loss.
I’d encourage you to apply, your extenuating circumstances will be weighed. Be sure they come through in your essays.
Apply to some of the CSUs listed above just in case.
Good luck