Upward trend in grades?

<p>In freshmen year, my gpa (on a 4.0 scale) was a 2.1. In sophomore year, it was a 4.0. In junior, it was a 4.3. I plan on applying to Michigan and Michigan State (and maybe get into MSUCOM). I understand my gpa in freshman year was terrible and I didn't really start doing extra curriculars until sophomore year. Would colleges be forgiving because of the upward trend in grades or would they be more sim pathetic because of the situation I was in (both of my parents passed away that year). And would I still have a good chance of getting into one of those 2 schools, or both?</p>

<p>I guess some other things besides grades would be:
33 ACT
3 Clubs
Volunteer Work</p>

<p>Sorry if this is too long/short or too much information/lack of information.</p>

<p>Write a good essay about it and you’re likely to get in. Even college admissions officers are humans and have hearts. Don’t spell “sympathetic” sim pathetic. Best of luck to you.</p>