<p>Hello all,
I am a math, philosophy, and neuroscience major at an inner-city state school in Detroit, Mi. I am applying to UM-Ann Arbor for fall '10, next winter, and I will only have about a 3.4-3.45, with a good deal of EC's and scholarly work, and I intend to be a Putnam maths competition top-100 placer or hopefully a finalist. I also work part-time and have solid recs and have a strong enough writing aptitude to present fabulous essays. I will be applying as a junior. </p>
<p>My fairly low GPA is due to their recalculation, vis-a-vis a "WF" on my transcript (horrible, unfair withdraw policy of a horrible, despotic professor). Otherwise, I would have around a 3.6 or 3.7. I can explain away the grade, rather eloquently, I hope. </p>
<p>I did rather poorly in HS, but have a 29 ACT, and--according to the small army of admissions officers with whom I've corresponded--HS grades are hardly a factor when applying for your junior year as a transfer.</p>
<p>I teach math to underprivileged kids in blighted Detroit neighborhoods through mathcorps, a program at my home institution, Wayne State U (which is a terrible fit for me; I'm totally ready to leave). I was also a statewide organizer for a certain '08 presidential campaign, and have prima facie impressive internships in that regard.</p>
<p>Do I have a decent shot at UM? </p>
<p>If not, how about UNC-chapel hill? UCSD? UCLA? William&Mary? Mich. State (God, I hope not...)?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>