Getting into my dream school with a less than ideal GPA?

I’m a high school senior who will be applying in the fall of 2017 to Soka University of America. This is my dream school because of how different it is. I am a pacifist who is very passionate about equality and the earth. As soon as I read about this school I decided to reach for the stars and go for it.

Avg GPA of entering class: 3.74
Avg SAT: 1798
Avg ACT: 28

My gpa is well below average for this school (3.1) I had a family crisis freshman year and couldn’t handle high school, but throughout time I grew to manage my responsibilities and finished my junior year with a 3.5. Right now sadly my mental health is deteriorating and my grades are hurting a bit, but I will put twice as much effort this last upcoming semester.

My SAT score is 1950 and I’m planning on taking it a few more times, i’m working towards increasing my score.
I do have some ECs (few clubs, few sports, some competitions) but not as many as I would like, Since I’m taking a year off I plan to do a lot of meaningful volunteering.
My ACT score is a 29 and I’m also planning to retake that.

If I write two killer essays and get good recommendations, is there any real chance of me being accepted? I’m taking a year off highs school for me to realize this goal of mine and if there is anything else I could do to increase my chances I’d love to hear about it! Thank you so much

Your SAT and ACT scores could offset your below average gpa. If you express why your gpa was low in your first essay and explain why you want to go to that school in the second you should have a good chance of getting in. I’m not sure if you have already done so but visiting the school to express interest could help as well.