<p>Last year (junior year) I took 5 AP classes. Unfortunately, my grades in them were not very good. For Calculus first semester I got an F then got a D second semester. For the rest of my classes, I got straight C's basically, but my weighted GPA is still a 3.4, since in sophomore year I got almost straight A's. Now, I know this may sound ridiculous, but I wonder if I can still get into a respectable university like Brown. If I get a good score on the SATs and if I write a good application essay, is there still a chance? Like what %? Also, I think I will apply for early decision to Brown if it is at all reasonable.</p>
<p>Something that might help me is that I volunteer at the local Children's Hospital (with 200+ service hours) and I was chosen as Junior Volunteer of the Year. Furthermore, I think I might skip school for a year after I graduate high school and spend more time volunteering to increase my chances. Would you recommend this? I wish to major in Psychology and to become a psychiatrist.</p>
<p>Thanks for your help. Please don't hesitate to be forthcoming.</p>
<p>im sorry, but those grades are not good enough for ivy admissions. if you really have your heart set on brown, you better find something amazing to do during that year off. otherwise, there are PLENTY of other respectable schools that have wonderful psychology departments. look into state schools that have good research facilities.
if you want to become a psychiatrist, i suggest you look into behavioral neuroscience majors- its a combination of psychology and biology that will help you be ready for med school (im a psych person too, applying for my phd this fall, so im quite familiar with this!)</p>
<p>Coddoc, you've asked for total honesty on a few threads, so I'll be honest. You have no chance at Brown with the junior year you describe, even with a gap year volunteering. You would be much better off going to a decent college, doing very well and then trying to transfer.</p>
<p>If you can get good SAT scores, you may be able to transfer after one year with good grades although 2 is more likely. So study like crazy for the SATs and do really well at the best college you can get into.</p>
<p>I'm not sure I'd plan on a good UC with those grades. Depending on income and what you can afford, there are many small quality privates you might do well at.</p>