<p>Hi, I'm a rising senior at a public high school in New Jersey. We have a REALLY competitive school with a lot of white and asian people.
I want to major in International Relations, possibly minor in EnvSci. or PoliSci.
I always had above a 3.7-3.8 freshman and sophomore year. I took Honors classes and then junior year came. I took AP Gov, AP Econ, AP Lang, and AP Pscyh as my only AP classes (other honors classes). I got really good test scores on them (4, 3, 5, 5), but my overall school year was terrible. I am making up a class over the summer and fighting for scheduling for advanced classes next year. Unfortunately, I can't take AP EnviSci next year and there's nothing I can do about that. I'm still trying to figure out AP Lit, but the administration is not cooperating.
I also went through some personal turmoil (a car accident, family issues, personal issues, etc.). I've really focused on bettering myself and I'm a lot better. I also am really looking forward to "starting fresh" this fall and looking to make my grades A LOT better from last year to prove that I can make it.
My top four schools I would die to go to are George Washington University (GW) and American University (AU) in DC, and also Brandeis University and Boston University (BU) in Boston. Rutgers is a back-up school. I'm applying to other schools, but those are my main ones. I'm really focusing on going to GW in 2014. Would I be able to make it?
I've already visited and sent e-mails to them asking them certain questions that shows interest (but, alas, the reps are on vacation).</p>
<p>I'm taking AP Art, CP Calc, Honors Current Issues, CP EnvSci (going to register for the AP test), [possibly] AP Lit, Middle Eastern Studies/Advanced Law (half-year courses), and a study hall.
I also have leadership positions in Model UN, Dance (in- and outside-of school), a political club in my school. I also am REALLY big on community service and have major positions in my school involving that. I also have danced my whole life and have done art in my school (take classes, ie AP art next year).
Thanks, sorry about the long post. It just really worries me that the downfall has affected my scheduling, which will affect the admissions decision :P</p>
<p>i also got a 2100 on my SAT in june, and my parents want me to take it again and get a 2200 or above</p>
<p>Exactly how bad were your grades? None of the schools that you are applying to are super competitive, so your probably low GPA may be a bit more excusable. But before I can say what damage it may or may not do, I need your exact GPA.</p>
<p>I have a 3.5 weighted GPA. Our school doesn’t calculate unweighted, so the GPA is good, but the actual final grades for the classes ended up being from low B’s to C’s, one A (art), and a D+ in math (which is why i’m making it up for an A over the summer)</p>
<p>Your SAT score and ECs make you competitive for the schools you mentioned. However,a 3.5 weighted GPA may affect your admission chances. I’m assuming that your unweighted GPA would be around a 3.2, which is on the lower end for some of those schools. I would put GWU, AU, and Brandeis as mid-reaches and Boston University as a high reach. Rutgers is a high match. Again, this depends on your unweighted GPA as well. It could also depend on class rank, since you stated you go to a competitive high school (which, I imagine, means you have a low class rank). But good luck! Apply anyways, you (and I) never know. The only person (or people) whose opinion matters are the ADs at those schools!</p>
<p>Never mind about the unweighted GPA. I see now your post about it.</p>
<p>Thanks. Made me feel more secure. I’ve talked to my guidance counselor about it, and she said if I explain my situation lightly and keep my senior year grades up to freshman year and sophomore year standards, then she doesn’t really see a problem.</p>
<p>brandeis may be a low reach/reach and the other high matches/low reaches. Junior year really is the most important year, but if you can write something compelling about your situation that doesn’t sound like an excuse that would bolster your chances. The SAT is good for those colleges. Goodluck!</p>
<p>Chances? <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1533402-chances-top-urban-schools.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1533402-chances-top-urban-schools.html</a></p>
<p>Thanks! I’ll chance you</p>
<p>I think if you get a higher SAT, you will probably be fine for GWU seeing how passionate you are about it. I’ve talked to a GWU rep before. Your high SAT will show how hard your school is, and if your school is competitive and there have been a lot of people accepted by GWU before, then it will help you! Just make sure your essays are really good!! </p>
<p>Chance back? <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1533472-chance-me-top-business-schools-please.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1533472-chance-me-top-business-schools-please.html</a></p>
<p>And even if you don’t get accepted by your dream schools, so what? you can always transfer! so don’t feel hopeless or stressful! (but I think your chances are pretty good so don’t worry!)</p>
<p>awesome! thanks chestnutt, i’ve already visited all these schools and know all the qualities i’m looking for in each 
(i just don’t want to transfer and waste time and have to spend another year working with gen ed’s again, etc. :P)</p>