How will my GPA trend look to colleges?

<p>I'm currently a junior with a pretty low GPA (3.67 UW, 4.5 W). </p>

<p>I had all As during freshman year, 5 Bs and 2As during sophomore year, and 6As and 1B junior year. Sophomore year was my downfall because I was too consumed in my extracurriculars (which are very strong) and school just kind lost its importance to me. Now I've decided on the colleges I would like to go to (UChicago, Tulane, Emory, etc.), and I can't stress how much I regret that sophomore year. Everything else I have (stats, ECs) are pretty solid, and I get depressed and angry with myself when I think about where I would be if I hadn't screwed one year up.</p>

<p>Do you think my Bs during sophomore year will restrict me from going to the colleges I want to go to? Will colleges notice the improvement in Junior year, and if so, will they weigh the improvement with more importance than the mess up in sophomore year?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>It didn't prevent me =). But then again, kids who go to UChicago aren't those who go to Mac.</p>

<p>If you got a good reason for it, mention it. But don't be whining though. This is what I'm trying to do . I have 3.7 frosh 2.7 soph and 3.8 junior . I had a terrible depression :( I was ennui about everything too</p>

<p>I was really depressed too, but never, ever mention that in college interviews/essays.</p>

<p>Loweryoureyelids,
I'm curious as to the reason why I shouldn't mention it? Doesn't that show my regret for not working hard enough and my determination to be better? Or will they see it as a weakness?</p>

<p>anyone else?</p>

<p>Look at Virginia Tech. Because of stuff like that, and also having other problems that can arise because of depression, eating disorders, other mental issues, schools don't want to take a risk on kids with emotional problems.</p>

<p>Hmm... that's an interesting point, loweryoureyelids. Perhaps expressing your determination to improve but not focusing so much on your depression/regrets would be a safer route to take.</p>

<p>anyone else?</p>

<p>pretty low GPA? BAHAHAHAHAHAHA what world are you living in.</p>

<p>cubfan716,
sorry I don't mean to sound uptight or anything because that might be a good GPA for some schools, but for our school that's barely top 10% or maybe even only top 15%.</p>

<p>well I have a slightly lower gpa than you, with not much better ecs (granted, I had a GREAT SAT score) and I got into good schools like UMich and UIUC. The grades are in the books, no use stressing about it. You'll def get into tulane, btw</p>

<p>and most colleges do look at grade trending (if gpa is increasing year to year or not) so just chill and do good on your SATs, and you'll be fine.</p>

<p>Should I wait to get my senior semester grades (which I suspect will be good and continue my upward curve) and apply to Tulane and other match/safety schools RD or do EA?</p>