<p>I'm in some hot water right now. I currently have a 3.5 weighted GPA and a 3.2 uw (I know). However I've taken the most challenging classes possible since freshman year, and at the beginning of my sophomore year I transferred to a school that is among the top ten in my state. Currently, I'm taking 5 AP classes, and will be receiving my SAT scores in about a week (expecting between 2000 & 2200 on my first try, taking it again in June). My EC's are in great shape but I'm afraid that my GPA is the only thing holding me back from getting into my top school (Stanford). I also have had hardships that have affected my grades tremendously; my average commute to and from school ranges from 2~3 hours on public transportation just about every day. Also, my parents (African immigrants) make >$50,000. My school is very competitive academically and offers 22 AP courses. The issue is not that I am not proficient in those classes but the fact that I usually have no time to do homework. I do not consider myself a slacker but in admit there is room for improvement. Assuming that I do well on my AP exams (Majority 5's), and the SAT, would I be able to make up for my GPA during senior year (only 3 AP's, would end up w/ a 3.9w after first semester) + write an amazing personal statement to improve my chances, would I still have a shot? Or are my hopes completely dashed?</p>
<p><em>Edit</em> Parents make less than $50,000.</p>
<p>Colleges respect taking the hardest classes, but not at the expense of success, that’s all I have to say, I think you know the rest. Also weighted GPA counts for next to nothing because all schools have different methods of calculating it, sorry to be a bit of a downer but i mean…</p>
<p>Honestly a 3.2uw without a really great reason for that GPA and a hook makes Stanford rather unrealistic. There are lots of great schools that you can get into (despite how it may seem here on CC there are tons of other less selective schools that are amazing), but Stanford is the type of school that rejects 4.0, 2400 students.</p>
<p>You’re a junior now? You’ve got time to fix things. Finish out this year strong and get good scores on your APs/finals, etc. For next year, do not let yourself be lax with your homework; it’s not as bad as you think it is, and if you don’t make time for it your grades are just going to suffer. Do homework during your commute (I did that when I was taking multivariable calc at a community college ~1 hr away), do homework during lunch, do homework as soon as you get home – just do it, and make sure it’s done before you go to bed.</p>
<p>I don’t mean to suggest that you should overload yourself with work, but make sure you live up to your chosen courses. Personally, I’m 4 AP classes this year (chem, lit, physics C mech, physics C e&m), work 2 jobs, participate in ~6 extracurriculars, lead 2-3 of those (to varying degrees), AND find time to hang out with my boyfriend almost every day. So it’s definitely possible to find time to do your homework, although it’s not easy – but it’s better to work hard and get it done than take an F for any assignment (in my mind, anyway…:))</p>
<p>If you bring up your GPA and do well on your SAT/ACT, etc., you have a shot at great schools. Stanford is REALLY tough so I’m not sure about that, but you will be in good shape if you take my advice ;)</p>
<p>I think colleges will recognize that you challenged yourself by taking the most advanced classes. However, by doing this it sacrificed your GPA, which colleges will see. The schools you mentions want people taking the best classes and getting A’s and a few B’s to end up with a GPA of around 4.0(uw).
Your SAT score is also very good. If you have predicted correctly. Also the fact that you do many EC’s is good. Colleges want to see all of this, but they want a high GPA to go along with.
I think you have a chance for some of your choices. But definitely get some safety schools.</p>
<p>So will my EC’s{ Simon Scholar, President and co-founder of B.E.S.T. Men Inc., VP of Men of Distinction, President of Environmental Club, National Society of Black Engineers, National Hispanic Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Dress for Success, American Red Cross Blood Drive, SEED Program Engineering Internship, Track & Field (took a year off to focus on my grades), Emerging Man of Scholarship Award, National Beta Club, spearheaded effort to make my school a designated Green Ribbon School, Football, Habitat for Humanity} be enough to offset my low GPA?</p>
<p>For most schools yes, but again for Stanford probably not. But remember quality>quantity…</p>
<p>Right, I understand that. All of the clubs that I mentioned really mean a lot to me, and I got involved with them so I could actually do something meaningful around the community.</p>