<p>I haven't considered college much until I realized how much my grades and extra-circular activities pale in comparison to other people's outstanding GPA and ridiculous amount of EC. I feel terrible that I will never go to the college I want to go (UC Irvine) with my academic performance. I have two years left in high school, I have a 3.4 unweighted GPA, a few extra-circular stuff here and there. What can I do to ensure a place in a good college or should I just go into community college and improve my grades from there?</p>
<p>Have you taken rigorous courseloads? (Honors/AP) Extra Curriculars you are passionate about? Etc.</p>
<p>I’m in the same place as you basically. Very few EC’s and a 3.4ish GPA.(if I’m lucky) But don’t forget that those aren’t the only things that decide your fate. I am lucky because my school doesn’t have class ranks, but even if yours does, a 3.4 won’t kill you.</p>
<p>You can still get really good SAT/ACT scores and write an amazing essay. If you’re over the 75th percentile SAT/ACT, even with a terrible GPA, you have a really really good chance.</p>
<p>Even with my awful GPA, my 2000-- SAT score is what I’m banking on, as well as my awesome essay.</p>
<p>Unfortunately it’s actually worse than I expected. I do have class ranks in my school and I’m in the 50th percentile. My GPA is actually 3.2ish. I do have credits in iT-related classes like CISCO and Advanced Comp Sci but I don’t know if that will do anything, especially since I don’t want to major in engineering. I have applied to quite a few clubs this year (Debate, Key, Latin) but not sure if that’s a big difference considering those are just member positions not leader positions. I am practicing for the SAT as much as I can (SAT textbooks, SAT vocab) and PSAT didn’t seem so bad. Taking five AP classes this year so a lot of vigor yet I’m not exactly passing them with flying colors, plus classes cannot be changed in my class anymore. My target schools are Georgetown University and UC Irvine.</p>
<p>Georgetown is unrealistic with those grades/rank, especially if you lack in the ECs department. Focus on doing well this year, try and increase your GPA which will also increase your rank, do well on the SAT/ACT (which ever you plan to take) as well as SAT Subject Tests and AP Exams. You will be able to get into a good college, just not a top tier one. Sorry I can’t speak to Irvine.</p>