<p>Before everyone blasts OP on GPA, I think your classes were definitely harder. Which freshman takes 3 APs ? Why would your school counselor allow that? And then your grades tank in freshman year, they still let you take honors and AP in sophomore year?
Before you think all is gone, I would urge that you do really really well in your 1st semester senior year. Does your grades have upward swing? You have great scores, PSAT and AP and subject scores. You have good ECs. If you can show upward (all A’s preferably) in your first semester of senior year, your selectivity will turn around. I would strongly suggest dropping some EC right now (to get more time to focus on your grades), enrolling in extra tutoring, being on top of your class assignments and basically do everything you can to focus back on your grades in senior year. </p>
<p>Applying RD may help. Also in UCs, I have heard folks getting back in to the top UCs (in spring semester /appeal). Dont apply just to CSUs or cal poly. Have all the top UCs as a reach. You never know. Good luck.</p>
<p>And yes, do write up a great essay on your ECs. You have some good ones in there - crew, harp, astronomy…</p>