Hey, Im a in state student. My GPA was a 2.64 sophomore year and a 3.14 junior year, so a 2.9 UW. I have a 3.04 W. I dont know if colleges care, but my grades went up from a 2.5 Sophomore 1st semester to a 3.5 W Junior year 2nd semester.
I took APUSH and APES last year and got 4s on both AP tests.
I have a 2040 on the SAT (670math, 680 reading, 690 Writing) & I am getting my second SAT scores in 5 days.
For the ACT I have a 31 (28 English, 31 Science, 32 Math, 33 Reading). No plan to retake it.
For SAT IIs I have a 770 on US History, a 700 Math level two ( Im retaking math next month).
This year I am taking four APs and currently have a 4.00 W. I have three (possibly four) letters of rec, my TA, english teacher, and an executive of the non profit that I have volunteered with for three years. Maybe my physics teacher from last year.
I have been on the XC and Track team every year from sophomore year to now, MUN this year, Band all four years, Robotics (electronics 1st year, animation 3 years) all four years, chess club secretary (if that matters at all) this year, and wrestling this year as well. Oh our animation team won a national competition while I was on the team.
What UC’s could I get into?
UCs don’t take letters of rec with the exception of Berkeley rarely, which is too much of a reach anyhow. I would look at Riverside, Merced; because UCs only look at sophomore and junior year, your GPA is too low for the others.
Agree with @anxiousenior1: UC’s are very GPA focused with an average UC GPA of 4.0+ for 6 out of the 9 campuses. Your SAT score is competitive but will not make up for the lower than average GPA. Look at UC Merced and UC Riverside. Also consider some Cal States such as SJSU/CPP/Sac State/Chico State/CSU Fullerton depending upon major.
Do you have any extenuating circumstances for you low GPA? If so, address them in your essays or additional information section of the UC application.
Good Luck.
It mostly stems from my parents fighting everyday and me having to take care of my disabled mother. My grades started to go up once I started seeing a therapist. I also have seizures which have caused me to miss a week or two of school every year.
Agree with @Gumbymom. You only can (possibly) make it to lower-tier UCs.
If you address these issues, it may give you a slight bump in your chances for the UC’s so you might want include UCSC to your list. You just need to be careful how you present your health issues.
Right, so dont whine about it
I just want to second or third the UCSC recommendation and explain your obstacles is very important. It sounds like you are very bright and have had difficult circumstances. Have you considered any private colleges? They also look at the whole picture and you might find one that would give you a good financial aid package. If money were not an object that would be what I think is your best bet as they will look at everything not just grades and test scores. I think a very well written essay and well written explanation might really help you. Heck, I just thought wow, this kids had it tough and is still in the game… Good for you!
Thank you so much! Yes, money is no object, and I have been looking at other schools such as Drexel, Illinois Institute of Tech, but most of the rest are public schools.