Thank you everyone else that replied. I haven’t checked in for a while, but I’ll clear some things up.
- I really don't know what I'm looking for in a college as of right now. This spring break, my family and I are going on a road trip to visit several different colleges, so hopefully I'll have something in mind soon.
- My college costs are going to be partially covered by my extended family, as well as my parents. (I'm so thankful for them)
- My freshman GPA was around a 3.7. I really struggled sophomore year, mainly due to social and mental health issues, and ended the year with a C average. I also just slacked off, and didn't put enough effort into my classes. As of right now, I have 5 As, 1 A- and 1 B, and am taking 3 AP classes.
- I am a very good test taker, and had lots of free time throughout the summer preceding my junior year. I spent a ton of time studying and took a September ACT (my second time taking the ACT) and scored a 36.
- I know little to nothing about SAT subject tests, except that many top schools require them as part of the application process. I plan to ask my counselor about them at my first meeting.
- My top choice right now is (super reach) UChicago based on what I've read online, but my chances of acceptance are so low that I don't even know if it's worth the $40 application fee.
- I haven't really been able to talk with my counselor, so most of my college information has really been solely from the internet. I apologize if anything I have asked or will ask has an obvious response.
Thank you all for putting so much effort into your replies, they’re all very helpful. I have a few more questions.
- What are some good ways I can demonstrate in my application that I will collect my diploma four years later. I’m aware that HS GPA is mainly used to measure chances of college success, so I need to show that I will be successful in a different manner.
- How “holistic” really is the application process. Will my application get read differently due to my lackluster GPA?
- Can essays really “make or break” your application? I consider myself a pretty good writer, and am confident that I can write at least decent essays. Will this increase my chances any more than marginally?
- Do any of you have any tips on what to look for on College visits? I’m mainly visiting colleges during spring break, but I’m visiting Carleton next week, and want to know what to look for.
Just want to thank everyone again. I know I’m only a junior but this whole process is extremely daunting to me, and my friends constantly flaunting their 4.0s and 3.9s doesn’t help much. I will check out some books from my library to try and find some lesser known colleges that I might want to look at. I will also do my best to get my GPA as high as possible before the end of junior year.
Happy thanksgiving!