<p>At this point, I'm terrified of applying this November to UC's and CSU's. My Junior year was the worst year of my life. It all started out with my sister getting admitted into the ICU for a month, and I was there taking care of her. The doctors said that she either goes into coma, or dies. I had to be with her. I missed that month of school, and by the time I got back, the semester was over. I got three D's, two of which were planned to change second semester if I made up all of the work. However...as second semester started, so much family issues resurfaced and my dad was diagnosed with cancer. Every night, I cried , seeing how much pain my family was going through. Two months ago, I was diagnosed with depression after I attempted to... hurt myself, and had to take depression medications, and my health was becoming worse, day by day. I had completely given up on everything that was important to me. Then , I went into therapy. And thats when it hit me that I cannot give up. I need to pull myself together...I need to distract myself, and the only way I could do that is by focusing in school, as my therapist says. Even though I realized late, when theres only two weeks left of school, I still want to try. My 3.3 gpa went down to 2.4. This summer, I will makeup my D's except I cannot make-up 2 of them, which is bringing anxiety to me. My grades of Freshman and Sophmore year were all B's and A's, and then all of this happened Junior year. Also, over the summer I will take SAT prep classes, and practice for my SATs, aiming for at least a 2100 because my initial SAT score was a 1750 without being prepared for it . I also have a hand full of extra-curric., such as President of Bridges ( human rights ) , an internship at OCYO( a civil rights organization), Prom Comittee, Golden Fleece, ICC Rep for Do Something, Historian for Make A Wish, and I helped Julio Perez with his campaign who is running for the Assembly of 2012. Now, my question is...is it worth applying to UC's or Cal States? Do I have a chance, despite my horrible grades Junior year?</p>
<p>If I were you I would probably take the community college route…</p>
<p>But if you want a 4-year experience you do have a chance with the least selective of the UCs and CSUs. Examples would be Merced/Riverside for UCs and I’m not familiar with the CSU system but I believe San Marcos and Northridge aren’t very selective, and there are definitely others. If you get a good SAT score it could definitely save your app because (someone correct me if I’m wrong about this) the CSUs base applications on a point system, where GPA and SAT are worth certain amounts of points, so your SAT could make up for a poor GPA (again I might be wrong).</p>
<p>Again, I would recommend community college because it’s easier to transfer.</p>
<p>would UCR accept me even with a 2.6, for example?</p>
<p>Ooops disregard what I said you need a 3.0 for UCs. Sorry but CSUs appear to be your only option for 4 year schools.</p>
<p>I see, well thank youu</p>
<p>I’ve heard of this option if you really want ucs whereby you enter California community college and transfer to a uc later. That will give you time to cope with things. People have even transferred into uc Berkeley so it’s basically a second chance at high school. Good luck 
I’m praying for you.</p>
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<p>My thoughts exactly. My sister basically bombed high school and then went on to get a 4.0 or close to that in community college. While she isn’t transferring yet, a 3.9-4.0 basically guarantees transfer admission to any UC (with ECs etc).</p>
<p>Thank you!! :)</p>
<p>Butte College I believe is one community college that offers the transfer option to a UC; in this case I think the specific UC is indeed Berkeley. You should definitely consider this route of community college/UC transfer. And, don’t be hard on yourself. Many of us have challenges in life. You have achieved a victory already by REFUSING to give up.</p>
<p>Community college is not, of course, your only option. You should speak with your high school guidance counselor for advice asap, and perhaps a favorite teacher. Perhaps high test scores and a counselor letter that explains your situation can compensate for the low grades this year, as there were clearly extenuating circumstances. However, you have been very frank with us about stresses. Therefore you need to weigh whether the stress of trying to compensate in other ways for low grades, to get into a four-year college at this time, is best for your overall well-being. Only you can answer this question. Perhaps attending a community college with a guaranteed UC transfer option IS the less stressful alternative. Not your only option, of course. But perhaps the less STRESSFUL option, at this time? Please seek informed advice from persons who KNOW you, such as a college counselor or teacher, as stated above. We are only internet strangers and do not want to advise you unwisely.</p>
<p>I did speak to my guidance counselor, and she said that I should go into therapy, which I have and with only three sessions, I have gained back some of my confidence that I had lost. I KNOW I can do it. It really gives me more confidence and peace of mind by hearing that I still have a chance. Honestly, by thinking about college and whatnot, it has deviated my mind from all the stress I had to conciliate and am still overcoming. My counselor said that I still have a chance, perhaps speak to my teachers for a grade change from last semester, for I couldnt make-up my work. But, the problem is , I only have one more week of school left. So, I dont know how that will work out. I calculated after my summer school grades will be imputed, I will have a 2.7…however, if I get those grade changes, I could have a 3.0. But, then again, its up to the teachers.</p>