Fordham CHANCES please

Freshman GPA: 3.0
Sophomore GPA: 2.4 ugh I’ll explain
Junior so far:3.37
no honors or APs.
Taking 2 APs next year.
I go to one of the best schools in Jersey (its a public school)
Currently Co president of 1 club. Vice president of 1. I’m guaranteed to be president of chess club next year (only junior in club). And possibly co president of another club.
As far as sophomore year is concerned…My grandfather died before that year and all my motivation was down the drain and I was depressed and such but I’m over it now.
I will be applying early and then again regular (I hear this makes you look better).
I’m also considering saying that I had to take a job because my Dad’s financial security was at stake and I didn’t want him to dip into my college fund. (Tell me if this is a good idea and any other excuses I could use)
In my application I’m trying to pull of the "my grades don’t accurately represent me thing
I also will be running for class president, I think I have a good chance, if i win how much higher would my chances be.
I plan on doing the 3/2 Engineering program they have there with Columbia, should I mention that in my application?
What else (besides grades) can help my chances?
What ACT score should I be aiming for?
All answers are sincerely and greatly appreciated
Thanks

I DO have a job (4 days a week) and my dad was and still may be at risk of loosing his

I think you would really have to nail the SAT/ACT to be competitive at Fordham, as of now, but an upward trend will help. You really need to take both tests this spring. I suspect that the Engineering program is more selective than the overall college.

Everyone applies to the program there junior year of college. Its a tough program and I was just wondering if mentioning it would help my chances