Terrible GPA, decent scores and EC's. Chances for UC's, USC, SCU, etc.

<p>Applied to:
Every UC but Berkeley and Merced.<br>
Santa Clara University
Loyola Marymount University
University of San Diego
University of San Francisco
USC</p>

<p>2020/2400
640 Literature
620 Math IIC
~2.6 GPA</p>

<p>Never taken any AP's before, now taking:
AP Statistics
AP Economics/US Government
I am taking the AP English Literature test as a self study.</p>

<p>Will probably have a 3.75 W this semester.</p>

<p>ECs:
Boy Scouts for 7 years. Currently working on my Eagle Scout project at school.</p>

<p>Track and field for 3 years.<br>
Track and field training for 3 years. It's a training club, independent from the school. We meet year round, 12 hours a week.</p>

<p>Volunteering at the Tech Museum for 3 years. Basically just explaining exhibits. About 90 hours total.</p>

<p>I worked from July 07 - Nov 07 at a grocery store. 20 hours a week.</p>

<p>I've been self learning the piano for the past 2 months. </p>

<p>Essay:
My GPA is terrible, but my essays give some explanation. Last summer, I was diagnosed with a disorder, but now I'm taking medication and doing much better in general. I think my essay is very strong and from the heart. </p>

<p>I don't know how strict the UC's are with their 3.00 minimum, but I'm counting on my essays/EC's and upward trend for the other schools. To me at least, going from a 2.33 to a 3.75 with AP's is a huge improvement. Hopefully, they'll notice. </p>

<p>Any thoughts?</p>

<p>as long as your disorder can account for your grades, I think you'll slip by at most of those schools. However, UC is a very number-oriented school, which can be irritating.
I'd say Berkeley and USC will be big reaches for you. the other schools are looking very appropriate tho</p>

<p>^OP said he didn't apply to Berkeley.</p>

<p>If you don't have a 3.0 minimum, you're technically "not eligible" or so the website says. There is a very slight chance you might slip through.</p>

<p>What will your UC GPA be after this semester?</p>

<p>After this semester, it'll probably be 2.7-2.9.</p>

<p>All of your stats are above average except your GPA. I think it just depends on your personal statement now.</p>

<p>Just in case, have you considered a year of community college and then applying again?</p>

<p>Unless you get in by exception, you're ineligible for all the UCs.</p>

<p>
[quote]
If you don't meet the regular admission requirements, you may be eligible for Admission by Exception. You will have to demonstrate your ability and potential to succeed at the University.</p>

<p>Request for consideration for Admissions by Exception should be discussed in the personal statement portion of your application for admission.</p>

<p>If you think you qualify for Admission by Exception, contact the Admissions Office at the campus you wish to attend.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I hope you did the above.</p>

<p>University</a> of California - Admissions</p>

<p>How adamant are the UC's about minimum GPA? My tutor says she knows kids who have gotten in with around ~2.8 GPAs, and I'm sure they didn't qualify through exception or exam scores.</p>