<p>At Howard University.. Here is my stuff. Please be completely honest.</p>
<p>Activites:</p>
<p>Varsity Debate Team
Academic Decathlon (made it to state-3rd place in Interview)
Mock Trial attorney
S.A.D.D. (President)
DECA (Vice-President of school chapter)
Elite Choir (top select of singers from all of our choirs)
Solo Contest (got division 1)
NAACP
Recycling Club</p>
<p>Grades (my problem):</p>
<p>Freshman year: 1.1
Sophomore year: 2.2465
Junior year: 3.5, I'm trying..
Senior year: Hopefully a 4.0.</p>
<p>Those should (with the 4.0) add up to about a 2.6 GPA. But with my situation, it would probably be best that apply early action, and that's first semester of my senior year.. so they wouldn't even really see the 4.0. Without it, it would average to be about a 2.2 GPA. And even with first semester of a 4.0 senior year, it would average to be about a 2.3-2.4 GPA.</p>
<p>ACT: 30</p>
<p>I am VERY aware that that is a horrible GPA to graduate with, and I truly regret it. The problem was that 3 days before my freshman year started my father died from cancer. I was depressed and that got in the way of me reaching my full potential. Sophomore year my mother remarried. </p>
<p>I just really want to go to Howard University. It really is my dream school, and I hope with every bone in my body that I get accepted. I don't think there's any other applicant that wants this as bad as I do. I know that sounds naive, but it feels right to say.</p>
<p>My desired major is Afrkan studies. I know that's not a very popular major, so that might help me. Or will it? I just really need some honest predictions... What do you think?</p>
<p>At this point, I'm not banking on scholarships or anything. I just want to get accepted; that's my only goal. I want this.</p>
<p>PLEASE reply! I know sometimes that doesn't happen on this site...</p>
<p>The good news is there is obviously an upward movement grade wise. A 3.5 honestly shows you truely are trying. I’m struggling to maintain a 3.2, so I can’t imagine how your doing a 3.5
I don’t know anything about Howard, but i would think that if you do very well on 2nd semester this year you might have a chance.
Good luck!</p>
<p>Firstly,</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Nooooooo that will not help at all. I know it seems logical to think that schools needs amount of students per each major and so an unpopular major would give you a better chance, but no admissions officer knows or cares about the quotas for any given department. And since it’s not going to help you might as well major in something that actually has a job market. (Last time I checked the African Studies Factory wasn’t hiring).</p>
<p>Now, as to chances:
Your GPA is obviously very low, but you do have an upward trend. Your situation will definitely come into play, and admissions will recognize that you have a lot more potential than your GPA portrays. Also, your ACT score is quite good for Howard, which shows that you’re prepared for the course-load. Your EC’s are mundane, but at least you’re involved in a lot of activities.</p>
<p>While your chances at this particular university aren’t spectacular, the chances that you’ll get into a university of equal prestige/selectivity are quite decent. Research some other schools and apply to a bunch.</p>
<p>I actually think your chances are very good. A detailed letter should come from your guidance counselor about the death of your father, your mother’s remarriage and your amazing comeback in the face of such difficult events. Your ACT is solid, your ec’s are great. Do your best with your grades, but really, IT IS COMPLETELY UNDERSTANDABLE THAT YOUR FRESHMAN AND SOPHOMORE GRADES WERE AFFECTED by the loss of a beloved parent. Your situation is completely unlike that of most students with your overall GPA and will be treated differently.
PS-- I am very sorry for the loss of your parent.</p>