<p>I'm a high school junior, and I'm what you'd consider an "underacheiver"...I currently have a 2.9 GPA (UW) and my schedule is compiled mostly of basic classes, with the exception of AP Psychology. I'm at an "average" standing with my credits (my school requires 26 to graduate, I've got 16 so far because I didn't take study halls frashman or sophomore year). However, I know I'm incredibly intelligent. I consistently earn high test scores in my classes and made a trial attempt at the SATs as a sophomore and earned a 2050. I'm currently self-tutoring to I can test again in March, and I'm confident in scoring a 2200 or better. I'll also be taking the ACTs soon and I believe I can do well with that test as well. I have a few musical and arts EC's, and I've done two People to People ambassdor programs and an AFS stint in Italy this summer.</p>
<p>As of late, I'm planning on majoring in either Cultural Studies or Linguistics. My choice colleges at this point are U of Minnesota, Emory, and UC-San Diego. I'm open to looking at others.</p>
<p>My parents have had me on a prepaid college plan since I was born, so I'm not particularly concerned with tuition.</p>
<p>I'd really like some opinions on anything and everything about planning my college experience...have I screwed myself over by not making enough effort in classes, or could my scores and EC's give me just enough momentum when it comes to admissions?</p>
<p>Your test scores and the fact that your parents can pay full freight are your major plusses at this stage. Colleges are not likely to view People to People participation as an exceptional EC unless you are able to make a strong case that these experiences were critical in your developing interest in cultural studies and linguistics. P2P often just means your parents were comfortable enough financially to send you off on a trip overseas.</p>
<p>Your GPA and not particularly demanding course schedule in high school will make admission to top colleges questionable. You still have time as a junior to bring the GPA up into solid “B” territory and you should also try to challenge yourself with a few AP, college-level or honors courses (I know that the way public schools operate that it can often be difficult to move out of the basic college prep “track” into honors studies).</p>
<p>I don’t have any specific colleges to recommend, but you should have quite a few to choose from if you can demonstrate effort behind your test-taking ability. UC-San Diego and Emory are doubtful, however.</p>
<p>I’m not familiar with Minnesota, but Emory and UCSD are high reaches. I recommend attending a community college for a year or two before transferring to a higher ranked university.</p>
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<p>I guess you’re not familiar with much else either, because that suggestion is just flat out stupid. There’s absolutely no reason for someone with a 2000+ SAT score to go to a community college. Worst, worst case scenario, the OP will just go to his/her state school. A 2.9 GPA, while not good by any stretch of the imagination, does not automatically discount you from getting a proper collegiate education.</p>
<p>Are you going to high school in California? You will need a 3.0 UC GPA to apply to UCSD in state. A 3.4 to apply out of state, but in addition to meeting the “A- G” requirement, the average UC GPA for admitted students at UCSD is probably at least 4.0.</p>
<p>I like the “how do I stack up” feature on the college board website, but it’s hard with such a discrepancy between SAT and GPA.</p>
<p>Also, do you know how your pre-paid college plan works, and how it weathered the last few years? A lot of us parents lost maybe half.</p>
<p>I would check out Reed College in oregon. It is one of the top liberal arts college, and I remember my counselor gave me a book that talked about how Reed accepted high school dropouts with amazing test scores. They see through the numbers to natural ingenuity to get kids who may not have a chance with the higher ranked numbers game. Just an idea !</p>
<p>@billabongboy</p>
<p>Many applicants with higher GPA’s have been rejected from lower tier schools. It’s simply more practical to attend a community college and then transfer to a better university. His transcript will be the most important part of his application, and considering it isn’t strong by any standard, it would be a stretch for most state schools.</p>
<p>“a book that talked about how Reed accepted high school dropouts with amazing test scores”</p>
<p>To clarify, Reed says that a high school diploma is required and the GED is accepted.</p>
<p>If your HS offers other AP classes but you’re not taking them, it will hurt your chances at many schools. An upward trend in GPA will help.</p>
<p>I live in Wisconsin, and for that reason I’m kind of feeling a pull toward U of Minnesota. It’s close to home but far enough that I can be independent, pretty decent academics, and a lot of school spirit. The metro atmosphere is exciting since I spend much of my time looking at cows and cornfields.</p>
<p>The last time my parents checked, my college fund has not deteriorated significantly.</p>