<p>Allright guys, I had a really rough time transitioning into high school, and I was plagued with personal issues and the sorts. I fell into depression, got into the wrong crowd- and you know how it goes. I did terribly in my Freshman and Sophomore year, and I did fail a few classes, which I did make up during summer school. I've come out of the ditch and have managed to change my outlook on life, and have motivated myself to do well in life and pursue a good education. I have all A's in my junior year, Pre Calculus, Ap Biology, Ap English Lang, U.S History, Spanish 2 and Art(For my art credit that is required), and hypothetically will go for another 4.0 during my senior year.</p>
<p>The classes I will be taking next year will be AP Government, AP Calculus, AP Literature, Spanish 3, Computer Animation, and Physics.</p>
<p>I did get a 2040 on my SAT and will continue to take it, and hopefully get a better score. </p>
<p>I am looking to apply to UC's mainly, and some private schools, but what are the chances? My volunteer work that I've been involved with is Interact Club, tutoring middle schoolers, as well as volunteering at a homeless shelter.(Will do this during this summer).</p>
<p>I know I messed up terribly, but I really hope that I can get into a decent college. Is there any hope for me?</p>
<p>Colleges appreciate an applicant growing throughout their high school career. Since you are gradually improving, although you’re not exactly at the level of the ones who maintained a 4.0 since their freshman year, you’re still on the right track. Just try as hard as you can.</p>
<p>First of all, congrats on turning it around! Second, many schools don’t include 9th grade in their GPA calc (I believe UC system is one of them) and many others weight it less. An upward trend is good - and schools give kids (especially guys) some slack early on because they mature more slowly. Finally, you can always address the ‘turnaround’ in your essay - what triggered it and where you’re now headed - in a compelling way. So yes, lots of good schools will be happy to have you.</p>
<p>So, re UCs - they are quite numbers driven (like all large state schools) and you need the minimum GPA and test scores to even be considered. Go to the website to figure out how to calculate your UC GPA and check how it compares to what’s required for that UC. Ditto test scores. After that, ECs are usually just to prove that you are not a hermit and can contribute something to the learning environment. Only the most selective schools care about honors and awards and major achievement outside for ECs. </p>
<p>Hopefully you’ve already started your essays and have already asked some teachers for letters of rec. If not, get busy. And have the money talk with your parents. Any suggestions for other schools will depend a great deal on what your folks can afford. No point in us telling you how great driving a porche is, if you are in the market for a chevy.</p>
<p>A lot of people suffer through depression and personal problems and still manage to get good grades, so I’m not sure if you’re giving yourself excuses… or something. An upward trend is still good though.</p>
<p>My son was in a similar spot. 2.0 1st semester sophomore year, 4.0 second semester junior year. UCGPA about 3.09. Whew. SATs good enough, but no as good as yours. Good leadership EC’s. No APs until senior year. Wait listed, and then got into UCR. Rejected at SB and SC. SC gives points for increasing your UCGPA by 1.0 points in a certain time frame. That was HS class of 08.Got in plenty of other places though. Look for the western 3.0 thread in the parents forum.</p>