@skieurope, this thread has gone around the block w/ almost everybody saying the same thing & one poster making the same point over & over. OP has been silent for quite a while. Can you call time on it?
“I at least think he has a shot at someplace one step down from HYPSM, like UCB, UCLA”
No, just the opposite. Colleges that are primarily metrics based, like UCB and UCLA will be non starters. Although UCB and UCLA have a holistic component, if you look at their published stats their most heavily weighted criteria is GPA. They are using the holistic method as a way to choose between the surplus of apps they receive with top stats. Admission to a more holistic private is not probable but is possible. Admission to UCB and UCLA (or any other primarily metric based college) is so improbable you might as well not waste your time on the app.
I’m often asked for business advice (my background is as a CPA then consultant for an international firm and I now run my own electronics manufacturing company) from people looking to start their own business. One of the most common traits I’ve noticed among people whose businesses fail is they solely seek and then listen to and even cling to only advice that aligns with what they want to hear, ignoring negative input.
Successful people - business owners and college applicants - seek advice and evaluate all of the advice received. That doesn’t mean they give all advice equal consideration, as the source and quality varies. That does mean that they understand that advice that is contrary to what they want to hear may be even more valuable than empty praise or hollow platitudes.
Not being able to evaluate and respond to all forms of advice is a sign of immaturity and doesn’t bode well for success at a top program. People mature at different rates. It’s not fatal or a sign that you’re doomed if you’re not mature enough to handle negative information, but that - combined with a less-than-stellar academic record doesn’t bode well for performance in top programs. Another mark in favor of finding a less competitive environment that is a good fit for your level of maturity and accomplishment. The worst possible outcome would be to be somehow admitted to a highly selective school and be unable to handle the work or competitive environment. Because most of the students in that type of environment will be mature enough to handle constructive criticism as an example.
The question about grades has already been answered multiple times. It is a waste of time and sign of immaturity to focus on a 2 point grade issue. The overall record of grades is the issue, not 2 points in a particular class or two.
OP’s grading situation is not unique and teachers change point values on tests routinely. Colleges will see the grading scale with the transcript.
As an aside, I would be concerned if my child was telling her GC what to write in their LOR. That could backfire.
I’m not sure where they went, but my post #142 was in response to two posts that disappeared. It is a little out of place without the context, sounds harsh and out of the blue.
It seems that WowMaster has left the building and taken his posts with him - that is wherein lies the confusion
I believe WoWMaster has been banned - he told me as such via IM.
@momofsenior1 I was absolutely not suggesting that I influence my guidance counselor. In fact, Naviance has me fill out a Student Input Form and a Parent Input Form that are pretty much the only things the counselor looks at when making their recommendation. I was simply going to ask my GC if including the unfortunate circumstances of my grades would be something that they could add to show that I’m at least able to cope with the work.
@milee30 I have heard your advice, and my official college application list (list of colleges I will apply to) is filled with an equal number of safeties, matches and reaches. I still think I have a shot, not a good shot or even a long shot, but a shot at my reach schools nonetheless, and I will do everything in my power to make a compelling application that presents me in the best light possible. I have picked some schools that I think I’ll get into, but without the full extent of my resume the chances cannot be determined at this time.
@skieurope I think it’s time to call it quits on this thread. I got a lot of helpful information, but I’ll probably post a second thread sometime in the fall with all my updated stats, ECs, and whatever else has changed between now and then. Until then, I thank everyone who has contributed and really do appreciate all of your help. I may have seemed like a bit of an annoyance sometimes, but I just want you all to know that you helped me make correct decisions and steered me away from having 2 safeties and all reach colleges. Thanks to everyone.
Good luck @dynamicaero! I’ll look forward to your updates in the Fall and then at acceptance time. I’m sure with a well crafted list of colleges, you will have good news to report.
Thank YOU, @DynamicAero – and we look forward to hearing about your update.
Thanks for the post, @DynamicAero, and good luck with the essays. Here’s to a happy ending - and beginning - next spring 
MODERATOR’S NOTE;
Closing thread. Since the hijacker has been banned, the thread seems to be too convoluted’ The OP seems fine with with closing, and he can free to open a new thread with updates.