I’m a Caucasian male living in the northern Chicago suburbs. I’m currently in my junior year of high school, and my school is fairly decent. I’m looking to get into engineering (currently undecided on whether I want to get into something more with biology, physics, etc.). I know that this school is competitive, and I don’t think they would accept me with my current record.
My weighted GPA from freshman till the end of my 1st semester of Junior year is 3.15. I know this is low, but I have actually been improving since my freshman year, where my weighted GPA was 2.83. Last semester, my weighted GPA was a 3.6, and I may actually get an even higher GPA this semester. I’ve basically just been constantly improving and my grades in all subjects have been going up. I heard colleges like seeing improvement, so I’m hoping this can compensate for my low GPA. The reason my grades dropped so low was because I was going through a really hard time dealing with bullying and my sexual orientation. Although, I’m confident that I’ve managed to make it through that tough time in my life, and that I’m ready to keep up my good grades and have a positive outlook on life.
My ACT score was also kind of low. My ACT score was a 26 (25 if you count the writing). I did good in the math and English section, but the reading comprehension is what held me back a little. I’m planning to retake the ACT in June, and even in the fall if I have to. I’m trying to aim for at least a 30, and I’m confident that I’m able to do it if I put enough work into it. If you think 30 wouldn’t be enough, what score should I aim for? I’ve started to do practice ACT reading online, and I hope this can help improve my ACT score.
As far as my activities go, I did get involved in Model United Nations this year. I went to 4 total conferences, 2 of which were 3 night ones (CIMUN and NUMUN). I do plan to continue this next year, as it’s fun and I hear it’s good for college rep. I also attended 7 years of Greek school on Saturdays. I’m currently planning to get a job (there’s plenty of places that are hiring near me). Is there anything else I can get involved with to boost my chances? Should I attempt to get involved with my science-related activities outside of school?
Classes that I think would look good on my app are that I’ve been ahead in math by 1-2 grade levels since I was in the 5th grade. I was put in an advanced math program because I’m really good at math. Currently, I’m a junior and I’m taking a senior level course (Intro to Calculus). I’ll be taking AP Calculus AB next year. I’m also in accelerated Physics and will be taking AP Chemistry next year. I’ve been taking elective engineering classes, and will be doing civil engineering next year. There aren’t many options, but up until now, I have been getting A’s in them.
Here is what my grades currently look like as of 4/15/2015
US History - 88.84 B+
English 3 - 89.04 B+
PLTW-Biotech Engineering - 91.1 A-
Physics ACC - 95.37 A
Intro to Calculus - 84.64 B
Martial Arts (not counted in weighted GPA) - 80.9 B-
Again, they have been constantly improving. These grades are actually better than my first semester’s.
Overall, what do you think? What am I doing well? What can I improve on? If getting into U of I is unlikely at this point, what other fallback colleges can I also try out with a good engineering program? (preferably in the state of Illinois) IIT is one other college that has my interest.