<p>Hi all, </p>
<p>I'm a current female, Indian (south-Asian) high-school Junior and my top choice for college as an undergrad is AU at D.C., and I would like to major in Political Science there. The problem is that my High School GPA is rather weak, calculated as of Junior year's first semester at a 2.7 weighted. I had some extenuating circumstances to explain for my low grades including an extended trip back in December in which I had missed 15 days of high school, which played a major part in determining my final grades for two classes I knew I was weak in. </p>
<p>I'm working really hard as of current with all A's in my three classes, two of which are honors-level (English & Speech) and I plan to take AP Gov., APUSH, and AP Lit my senior year, as I feel they would make my application/transcript more competitive. I understand that jumping to AP level classes gives me a higher chance of getting a lower grade, but I am determined and positive I will be able to commit myself to my studies. I hope to attain at least an A in most classes if I work really hard, and a couple B's if I slack.</p>
<p>I have only taken the SAT (2400) once, and attained a 1750 raw, without study. However, I am currently enrolled in prep courses and doing extensive self-study and hope to bring up my score to at least a 1950. I have also attained numerous recognitions for my achievements in art, including a work of mine kept in the permanent collection at my school. One of the reasons I was so lax with my GPA for my first two years of high school was because I was convinced I would be attending Art School. My goals have obviously changed by now, as I intend to someday become a politician and run for public office, and I feel that attending AU would greatly assist me in doing so. </p>
<p>Realistically, what are my chances of getting in to my dream school? Should I even apply, or attend a 2nd choice and then hope to be able to transfer? </p>