<p>Assuming that one has a decent GPA (3.7-3.8), and a nice class rank (~9/470), what kind of impact does a scattering of Bs and a C have on an application? I completely screwed up sophomore year (8 Bs and 1 C out of 14 classes :()... but I've made basically straight A's otherwise... </p>
<p>In addition, I've taken a very rigorous course load (18 APs by graduation), college courses, etc. My ECs/Test Scores are on par with most other applicants to ivies/top colleges (2300+ SAT, etc). </p>
<p>Yeah, I know, I probably shot myself in the foot with my sophomore year antics =/.</p>
<p>This is the formula for schools like the UCs: As + Community services + emotional essays + political correctness + $ = admission.
As + Community services + emotional essays + $ + political incorrectness =adios
Bs + CS +EE +$ + PC= Almost, but not quite
Cs + CS + EE +$ +PC = You made me laugh, application goes to the trash can immediately.</p>
<p>Can you address your "off" year directly, or have your GC do it? Was there something going on in your life that distracted you, or were you just being lazy? </p>
<p>Even if you were just being lazy, you might be able to address your change of heart/epiphany in an essay.</p>
<p>If you choose a range of schools (i.e. not all super selective), & keep the strong grades from here out, you will have good chances at many top schools. </p>
<p>NZ: my D had a ~3.65 UW, and was admitted to Berkeley.</p>