i have a 3.49 uw gpa but 3.87 weighted. My SAT score is a 2100, I have gotten mutliple fives on AP tests, including bio and ap calc. EC’s are 4 years of wrestling, 2 years varsity, 4+ years of violin, did red cross club for one year, have about 20 volunteer hours. My low GPA was because the first two years of high school was very hard and I couldnt get used to them. Junior and senior I got 4.0 unweigthed, altogether 4.7 weighted gpa. Sophomore and freshman 2.8 gpa uw, 2.989 weighted. I got a D in accounting too. I got 4’s and 5’s for 9 ap tests
USC/UCLA: Reach
Unweighted GPA is low with average for both schools around a 3.8-3.9. An upward trend is good and your SAT is competitive. Essays and EC’s may give you a boost, but they still be out of your range. Apply and see what happens.
Good luck.
TCNJ is the obvious choice. Highly regarded programs in STEM and business. You should visit.
If you are just interested in California then look into the 5 C’s and Pomona college
Whats your class rank? Have you considered nearby out-of-state schools (Penn State, SUNY, U Delaware, etc)? They sometimes take high scoring students like yourself with low GPA. The downside is that the tuition would be higher
Are you instate for California? Those OOS fees are hefty!