<p>My total UW GPA from 9th-11th grades is a 3.38. I'm ranked in the top 10% of my class (it's weighted), but my GPA is way lower than the median for the colleges I want to attend. Do I still have a shot if my ECs are good (focused, lots of leadership), my essays are exceptional (I'm a good writer, and I'm having teachers/counselors look them over) and my recs are good?
Also, I'm planning to have straight A's senior year (with 4 APs). Will that make a difference to colleges? How important is senior year, really, especially if I apply EA?
The one school I would absolutely love to attend is Macalester. My parents won't let me apply ED, but I'm convinced it's the place for me. Have I blown my chance?</p>
<p>also, I forgot to mention: my ACT score was a 31 (I just retook it this month, it should go up) and my SAT score was a 1470 CR/M, 2170 total (retaking in Oct.; it should be a 1500/2200+ after that). </p>
<p>I only took one AP class (USH) junior year (only two were offered, but I chose to take honors science), and got a 4 on the exam.</p>