Is it worth the stress? Should I still try?

<p>At this point, I'm terrified of applying this November to UC's and CSU's. My Junior year was the worst year of my life. It all started out with my sister getting admitted into the ICU for a month, and I was there taking care of her. The doctors said that she either goes into coma, or dies. I had to be with her. I missed that month of school, and by the time I got back, the semester was over. I got three D's, two of which were planned to change second semester if I made up all of the work. However...as second semester started, so much family issues resurfaced and my dad was diagnosed with cancer. Every night, I cried , seeing how much pain my family was going through. Two months ago, I was diagnosed with depression after I attempted to... hurt myself, and had to take depression medications, and my health was becoming worse, day by day. I had completely given up on everything that was important to me. Then , I went into therapy. And thats when it hit me that I cannot give up. I need to pull myself together...I need to distract myself, and the only way I could do that is by focusing in school, as my therapist says. Even though I realized late, when theres only two weeks left of school, I still want to try. My 3.3 gpa went down to 2.4. This summer, I will makeup my D's except I cannot make-up 2 of them, which is bringing anxiety to me. My grades of Freshman and Sophmore year were all B's and A's, and then all of this happened Junior year. Also, over the summer I will take SAT prep classes, and practice for my SATs, aiming for at least a 2100 because my initial SAT score was a 1750 without being prepared for it . I also have a hand full of extra-curric., such as President of Bridges ( human rights ) , an internship at OCYO( a civil rights organization), Prom Comittee, Golden Fleece, ICC Rep for Do Something, Historian for Make A Wish, and I helped Julio Perez with his campaign who is running for the Assembly of 2012. Now, my question is...is it worth applying to UC's or Cal States? Do I have a chance, despite my horrible grades Junior year?</p>

<p>Yes - you still do have a chance.</p>

<p>Most colleges will be somewhat understanding of the situation you went through. Be sure in your essay or short answer sections to describe your situation fully and try to stir their emotions so that they overlook your GPA.</p>

<p>If you do very well on the SAT that will help them even further “ignore” your GPA.</p>

<p>Good Luck! You should still apply!</p>

<p>Thank you soo much! I really have hope now :)))</p>

<p>Now, I calculated, my gpa would be a 2.7…should I ask my teachers to maybe have a grade change for last semester, for I couldnt makeup the work? that will bring me up to a 3.0</p>