<p>I'm ending my junior year. Currently getting distracting studying for AP exams, but who doesn't? Anyway, I pretty have an idea that UNC is my number 1 choice when I begin applying to college. I had a meeting with my college counselor last week and she pretty much told me not to bother applying and to just stick to my states flagship, University of Missouri. I know it's hard to get in out of state. I don't have the best GPA/class rank because I didn't really work hard my freshman and sophomore years of high school (straight Bs pretty much, in all honors and one AP classes). Lots and lots of extracurricular stuff and volunteer service, Eagle Scout. I have decent tests scores so far that I plan on improving, but reading a lot about UNC and after visiting a couple weeks ago I've seen that GPA and test scores aren't even that big of a part of the application process. So I suppose my main question is: is she right? I mean do I really have no chance if my GPA is shot? I have a lot of passion about other things and didn't realize until my junior year that getting As is easy and feels great!</p>
<p>Noo, you do have a shot. I was told the same thing by everyone (out of state as well), my GPA was pretty good but nothing stellar (I was just barely on the top 10%). If you really want to go, give it a shot- admissions will recognize your passion through the application. You will regret it otherwise. I’m glad my guidance counselor was supportive and that I applied, even though I thought I had no shot. Now I’m part of the class of '14 :)</p>
<p>Though weighted GPA is not huge, admissions people like to see you taking a challenging course load and doing well for them. Straight Bs for two years straight is a bit d amning, and I’m sorry to say that. Apply Early Action and craft the best application you can, but I would not necessarily expect to get in.</p>
<p>FWIW, I got in as an international student, and my grades have been (I feel) mediocre for the past 2 years.</p>