Should I even bother applying? Low GPA Upward Trend, Good ACT/ Unique ECs

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
1

<p>I attend an extremely rigorous high school in California. Low overall, big upward trend. Good Standardized Testing and great Extracurriculars.</p>

<p>Freshman: 2.7/3.0 (3 Honors)
Soph: 3.0 (3.2 W) /2.7 (2.8 W) - 1 weighted (1 AP)
Junior: 3.67/3.67 [4.2 Weighted] - 3 Weighted (3 AP)
Senior year: 3.67+ [4.3+ Weighted] - 4 Weighted (4 AP)</p>

<p>Took Intro to Comp Sci and Programming in C at a community college over the summer, got A's in both.</p>

<p><em>Computer Engineering/Science Major</em></p>

<p>UC Weighted (Soph + Junior Weighted GPA) GPA - 3.64
Overall Cumulative Unweighted: A dismal 3.128</p>

<p>ACT - (Took it twice, got 33 each but 35 superscore):
September 2012: 33 Composite - 35 English 36 Math 32 Reading 30 Science</p>

<h2>October 2012: 33 Composite - 29 English [UGH] 34 Math 34 Reading 35 Science</h2>

<p>33 1 sitting, 35 superscore.</p>

<p>SAT II:
Math Level 2: 790
Bio M: 700</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
150+ hours (Including 2 years as teen tech volunteer at library)</p>

<p>*DECA - Won 3rd for math marketing in Nor Cal, and 4th for presentation, 8th overall for Advertising Campaign at states
**Last week, I found out I won the DECA Idea Challenge, my team placed #1/400+ other teams internationally for our innovation. *</p>

<p>*YouTube: I use YouTube to express my passion for technology with people around the world. My helpful tech guides and reviews have received over 1.29 MILLION views by people around the world and my channel has over 2,900 subscribers. *</p>

<p>Blogged on website based on mobile apps for 2 years
3 years JV Badminton</p>

<p>** The upward trend was caused when I visited India and realized I'm taking everything for granted. I realized I needed to make the most of my situation, and thus I started applying myself junior year.</p>

<p>** I will try to highlight my passion for technology in my application, via essays or whatever. I express my passion for technology via YouTube and help thousands of people on a daily basis. So far, I've got over 2,900 subscribers and 1.29 million views.</p>

<p>What do you guys think about my chances? Should I bother applying?</p>

2

<p>Lol you’re silly. Looks like you’re doing great, of course you should apply.</p>

3

<p>Is this a joke? Uhh please refer to my GPA above :(</p>

4

<p>Nothing is impossible. Do it, or regret your decision later. What if you do get in? Good luck!</p>

5

<p>What have you got to lose besides $106? Give it a try, reference your YouTube posts,etc., write outstanding essays, and make sure you teachers and counselor know all that you have done since you epiphany. Good luck. Worst case scenario is never knowing.</p>

6

<p>GPA? So what? If anything your initial low GPA and then a sudden ambition shows self-motivation, unlike many of these kids who get 4.0’s through high school because of their parents. Your EC’s are great and your intelligent, so regardless of where you go you have the hutzpah to do great things! Hopefully Stanford will recognize that, and want to claim you.</p>

7

<p>I’m in a similar position (although my UW gpa is still quite a bit higher). I’m still planning on applying though.</p>

8

<p>What is your race/ethnicity and are you a female? Depending on your answer to these questions, you could have a much easier time.</p>

<p>Nevertheless, your chances are 0 if you don’t apply. So hope for the best!</p>

9

<p>I am in the same boat. Might as well apply. Worse they can do is say no.</p>

10

<p>Remember, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Definitely apply, the worst that could come from it is a rejection.</p>

11

<p>Yes apply. And make sure in your recommendations/essays that your new perspective on school/education is covered. I’ll admit, your GPA will make it a long shot, but it has happened before.</p>

<p>BTW, back when I applied I don’t think the admissions committee looked at freshman year grades. It’s probably still the same thing now.</p>