Strong Test Scores and ECs, but lackluster GPA

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I'm hoping to attend FSU to study Computer Science Fall 2014, though I would not mind at all being deferred to Summer (I didn't know it gave you better chances at the time i applied :( ). I've got a 1910 on the SAT, and a 29 on the ACT. I don't have many Extracurriculars, but the ones I do have are dedicated to my field of interest. For starters, I'm a Computer Programmer in my High School's CubeSat club. Our goal is to launch a satellite into space to collect and bring back data that is used by NASA engineers, and I am part of the team that programs that satellite. I'm learning C and C++ in order to help with the project.
I also have industry Certifications in Adobe Flash, Dreamweaver, and Photoshop. I used these to assist my volunteer work. I designed and manage the website for my local Cub Scout troop, and assist them in various other tech-related events.
I've also been in Spanish Club for the past two years, but as I don't have a leadership position and it isn't related to my major, I realize it isn't as relevant.</p>

<p>My falling lies in my GPA. I have a 3.3 unweighted and a 3.7 weighted, however a lot of my Bs lie in non-core classes (Web design, mainly. That teacher grades on creativity, which i do not posses :( ), and the FSU weighted GPA I calculated is a 3.9. My grades were mostly As and Bs, with no more than 2 C's sprinkled in. My grades have also improved steadily over the years. Freshman year was a 3.3 unweighted, sophomore year was my worst year at a 3.2, and junior year was my best at a 3.6. I've always taken the most difficult courses available to me, starting Algebra 1 honors in the 8th grade and taking exclusively honors courses throughout my highschool career. Junior year I took AP Lang, and scored a 3 on the exam.
My senior schedule is also incredibly strong
AP Calculus AB
AP Physics C
Food Prep (1st semester)/ AP Govt and Politics (2nd Semester)
AP Psychology
AP European History
AP Literature
Tennis</p>

<p>Just this quarter I got As in every class except Calc (which was a B), but I cant imagine senior grades matter much now. I seriously regret not trying harder earlier in my academic career, as I was going through some struggles with depression. My application essay was also reviewed my several intelligent people and is very strong, and keys into my passion for computers and how I've applied it to my life.</p>

<p>I also really hate the fact that AP Computer Programming wasn't available at my school.</p>

<p>FSU is my dream college, and I'm worried beyond belief that I wont get in. I'd be really grateful as to get some insight on what my chances might be. Thanks in advance.</p>

2

<p>You stand a pretty good chance
Match/High match?</p>

3

<p>Thanks for the chance! Also, a follow up question. I know FSU only calculates core classes. Would foreign language be included as a core class? I’ve heard from almost everywhere that it does, but the concept seems uncertain as I’ve always thought foreign languages to be academic electives.</p>

4

<p>I think it depends on your university
It’s only supposed to be science, English, and math</p>

5

<p>Bumping. I’d really like a second opinion. If had any knowledge of what colleges want, I’d chance back, but sadly I don’t :(</p>

6

<p>Foreign Languages are “core” classes indeed.</p>

<p>From the website listing the factors they look for:
" written essay, the rigor and quality of courses and curriculum, grade trends, class rank, strength of senior schedule in academic subjects, math level in the senior year, and number of years in a sequential foreign language." “The typical student accepted to Florida State has 4.5 units of English, 5.5 units of math, 4.5 units of natural science, 5 units of social science, and 3.5 units of foreign language.”</p>

<p>Did you have your application and all your supporting documents in before October 16? If so, you should stop worrying. Your odds are quite good (smack at the median, but it’s the first application period so you’ll get a nudge). Come back in December to post and calm other applicants’ anxiety!</p>

7

<p>Yes I did make the October 16th deadline, I hustled as soon as the year began lol. And I sure will be coming back, no one should have to go through this stress. But so long as those foreign languages counted than the fsu gpa i calculated should be correct (or a little bit above, as I don’t know if they’ll replace/consider the Marine Biology Honors course I took and aced. It’s marked as a science course, but it felt like an elective, and isn’t part of the graduation requirements).</p>

<p>Thanks to the both of you for helping quell my anxiety, and I’ll come back in December to help with other peoples’ chances as well!</p>

8

<p>Bumping again because i’ve realized my FSU GPA calculation was incorrect, and that it is in fact a 3.7. How much does this affect my chances?</p>