From the beginning of the year of the start of high school, I was struggling with some AP classes which, of course, brought my GPA down. I had my doubts that I would ever get into my dream college, Vanderbilt University, but I really need your guys advice and knowledge if I will ever reach my dream.
GPA HISTORY:
Freshmen - 3.3
Sophomore - 2.7
Junior - 4.27
Senior - Haven’t taken it yet.
My ethnicity is Vietnamese, Korean, and French.
My SAT/ACT scores was 35 (ACT) and 1400(NEW SAT).
I do a lot of extracurricular activities such as track, swimming, soccer, and orchestra.
Clubs that I take part in include student council, BETA club (Math Club), and HOSA (Medical Type of Club)
I have taken a lot of Honors and AP classes but managed to provide a C+ in some of them which I am not proud of.
I have an interest in the medical field. I have taken many medical classes during the first three years.
During my first two years of high school, I suffered severe depression because of my grandma passing away which I thought had some type of influence in my studies. Not only that, but my family has been struggling recently with money, but its all good now. Could I possibly put this in the essay I have to submit?
So? What are my chances? Could this happen? If not, are there any great medical schools that I should go for?
Thanks!
You have very strong test scores but, unfortunately, a weak GPA. You can and should talk about your personal situation. I don’t think it’s realistic for you to apply to schools like Vanderbilt or Johns Hopkins. Or at least I don’t think you should apply to a lot of schools at this level
Ya man those first 2 GPA’s really hurt. It can’t hurt to apply but I wouldn’t get my hopes up. Maybe go to a good public school and do well there and you can still get into a good med school.
Close to hopeless for Vandy and JHU.
As the poster above suggested, if you are interested in medical school then consider getting your undergraduate degree at a public university where you can get good grades and then work on getting a good MCAT score.
It can never hurt to apply, just know that realistically your GPA puts you at a great disadvantage. I would definitely explain your personal situation in your essays and express great interest in the school by contacting your admissions counselor frequently. I would consider Vanderbilt and JHU your reach schools, so pick some schools where your scores are in the average and some schools where you are well above the average.
Keep in mind crazy things have happened in the admissions process! Good luck!
Well your username, swimmingislife, suggests that you are very invested in swimming. Are you good enough to be a recruit? The Hopkins team placed 3rd at NCAA D3 championships, so the coach has some power. PM me if you want to talk about that.