When I entered High School as a Freshman I really doubted myself as a student, so I ended up taking a bunch of regular classes freshman and sophmore year. I took only three honor classes each year, but by the end of sophomore year i realized it was stupid of me not to have pushed myself. Junior year i ended up taking three IB classes and made sure all my classes were honor, became part of the interdisciplinary science and research program where i got the opportunity to do cancer research, joined the Tennis team, became president of Science Olympiad , joined the HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), and was lucky enough to get an internship this summer to work at the labs of Vanderbilt. As this Junior is coming to an end my GPA seems as though will be in the 3.6-3.7 range, and my ACT score is 30 ( I will take the ACT again and have a feeling i will hit 32)
Some Facts about me: Ethiopian, First Generation, Dad was a prisoner in Ethiopia for protesting government, but was lucky to get an asylum here in America, low income family.
I really feel bad for not trying my hardest in previous years as my dad sacrificed a lot to get me here in America, and if it wasn’t for him I most likely would have had to quit school and work to take care of my family like most kids do in Ethiopia .
One of my biggest question is will I be able to get into schools like: UCLA, UCB, UCI, UCD, Vanderbilt , or USC even with my rocky start in High School
All responses are welcome 
I think that the UC System cuts out freshman year grades as well as senior year grades. That might help you for UCLA, UCB, UCI, and UCD. You have a pretty good looking ACT in my opinion and a 3.6-3.7 GPA isn’t bad. You had a big increase from sophomore year to junior year which is something many colleges like to see. Your Ethiopian background is also really interesting and will definitely help get you into a good school.
Your gpa and act are good and you will most likely get in due to affirmative action. the same situation happened to be but the only difference is race
The UC’s banned affirmative action, so your ethnicity will not help you in UC admissions, low income and first generation will however. Calculate your UC GPA: http://rogerhub.com/gpa-calculator-uc/
Your ACT is on target for but if your UC GPA remains in the 3.6-3.7 range, it is on the low side for all the UC’s and USC listed. UCSC and UCR would be good Matches. The UC’s also consider course rigor, so the slow start may hurt you. Spend time on your essays this summer and EC’s. You do have a chance but you need to broaden your school list and include some good Cal States such as SDSU/CSULB/SLO/CPP/CSUF. Good Luck.
More input for other people would be really appreciated.
Thanks for people who already responded to my situation
Aim much higher. You have major, major hooks.
Thanks for the input soze and Gumbymom
Wow! I am an Ethiopian, low income, first generation who takes IB classes too! Your story is truly fasinating and will give you an advantage for the UC’s (First generation and Low income only). Also is that GPA a UC GPA or just unweighted? If it is unweighted, you have a slight disadvantage for the high tier UC’s (UCLA, specifically). However, your ACT within range of the UCLA 50th percentile score. Like other people said, rock that personal statement and make sure to include some passion and interest within those extracurricular (and ones that match with your intended college major). If you can, try to do something productive over the summer too. I wish you (and me!) the best of luck! I am also applying to the UC’s.
UCLA: Low Reach
UCB: Reach
UCI:High Match- Low Reach
UCD: High Match
Also find some schools where your stats put you at the top of the class. Schools that meet need. I think you’ll do fine getting into the schools you mentioned but I don’t think they give much $$. They are probably unaffordable if you don’t live in California. It looks like you have a year to study up on schools that give money. Do the Cost of Attendance Calculator for each school you are considering. Always apply at some in state publics to see what they’ll give you. I have the impression you’re in TN due to the excellent Vanderbilt position. Good luck.
Thanks guys. Also could someone explain the whole low reach and High Reach thing. I’m still kinda new to college confidential and haven’t been on a lot
Are you a California resident?
Im actually a Tennessee Resident. OspreyCV22 you guessed right
I actually added colleges like University of Georgia Athens, Emory, and University of Tennessee Knoxville to my list
Then cross all the UC’s off your list; even if you get in, you will not be able to afford the cost of attendance.
My parents are moving us to California for my senior year actually since it’s closer to family and my dad would get a better job.
You may still be full fee for California, depending on how the state evaluates your residency in California.
I think i read that they consider you a resident if you graduate from a californian high school
Read the UC residency rules: http://www.ucop.edu/general-counsel/_files/ed-affairs/uc-residence-policy.pdf.
Your parents have to establish residency rules and pay California taxes in order for you to be considered for in-state tuition. If your parents live with family members and not on their own, it might be difficult for them to prove residency. You’ll have to check that with the UC’s.