<p>Looking at your SATII scores and your GPA, you come across as someone who either is really smart but don’t work hard in school or attends an exceedingly competitive high school. If you have 800s in subject tests, how can you possibly have any C in class? </p>
<p>I still think you have a good chance at cornell and hopkins, based on your test scores. They are reasonable reaches. I know people who got in those schools with much less impressive SAT stats, though, admittedly, they have much better GPA. You obviously have a good mastery of your school subjects, and you probably have excellent ECs and stuff. The grading system at your high school may be different from that of the rest of the country; it’s probably better to ask your guidance councilor about your chances, not us here on CC who may have very limited understanding of your situation.</p>
<p>Lastly, I agree with hmom5. Don’t write any of this stuff in an admission essay! It’s the job of your councilor to explain your grades and the grading system, and hopefully he or she will do so adequately. If you do that yourself you’ll sound like you;re trying to make up excuses. Focus on your strenghs in the essay. Also, make sure you get good recommendation letters from your teachers, because some colleges may question your work ethic and character due to low GPA/ high test scores.</p>
<p>by the way, 550 kids in the graduating class is not unusually big. Lol, mine has about 600 as well.</p>