<p>Since IU places more emphasis on GPA and rank, it is super important for those to shoot up senior year. Here is what I recommend:</p>
<p>Raise your GPA and ACT score just a little and get rewarded. I think if you can get your GPA over a 3.0, there is something visibly more appealing than a 2.99. Seriously, that is not a joke. Stores do it in the opposite by pricing items just under the dollar because customers see the first digit and think it’s less. Same goes for your GPA, but in the opposite way. Get your GPA at or above that 3.0 and it looks higher. How can you do that?<br>
*Quit the job if you can and use the extra time to study like crazy for classes; even when there is no homework, YOU will study.
*Start studying for fall right NOW. Yes, it’s summer soon, but you have a plan and you don’t want to waste this perfect study season. Sit by the pool with you senior class materials or an ACT study guide! 
*Cut back on the extras a bit. You already have more than enough to impress Bloomington.<br>
*As soon as possible, get tutoring in any class that seems even remotely hard. If you see that your grades slip on one assignment, immediately get help! Studying every night, even when there’s no homework, will help you do better on tests. Better safe than sorry.
*If possible, prepare for and retake that ACT. If you can pull it up into the 30s, I think that seeing a 3 in the tens place makes a difference. :)</p>
<p>When you apply, (you should) include a detailed explanation about those low grades. Did someone die in the family? Were there any domestic issues taking place? Did something else happen that could have caused that dip in grades? My grades freshman and sophomore years were low, too, but the reason was detailed in letters of recommendation and in one essay, (I was very sick.) Yes, the IU essay’s optional…but not if you want to go there!!! And especially since you are a fantastic writer! 
Dazzle them with a brilliant essay!! </p>
<p>I think that if your senior grades rise (pulling up your GPA and rank), and you can bump that 29 to a 30, your unique and engaging essay will put you over the edge to a fat envelope. GOOD LUCK!!! :)</p>