Where Should I Apply?

<p>-3.5 (UW)/4.1 (w) GPA
-Top 10%
- 33 ACT Composite/2010 SAT (taken while really sick. I know I can get a 2200+)
- 770 Math II, 770 History
-218 PSAT (no prep)
- 7 APs Taken, Four 5's, 2 4's. Taking 4 More this year. AP Scholar with Distinction
- Lots of Honors
-700+ Students
-White, SoCal, Male</p>

<p>EC's
-Eagle Scout (Project was MASSIVE. 40-50+ workers, 460+ man hours between my workers, 50 hours of planning on my part. Moved over 45 tons of granite, filled 2 shipping containers of cleared plant overgrowth, moved a massive roller through, and painted, to completely renovate a decrepit garden/nature reserve type place.
-1 Year of SPL (President) of 50+ man BSA troop. We won many awards under my term. 6 Months of ASPL (VP), 6 months of Patrol Leader.
-A leader of a 36 boy American contingent to the 22nd World Scout Jamboree in Sweden, a gathering of 40,000 international scouts that camp together, cooperate, and compete in games for 2 weeks. A massive multicultural and fun experience.
-6 Years of Science Olympiad. Won awards at regional and state.
-3 years of NHS.
-3 Years of French Club. Now President.
-2 Years of MUN. Now Co-President
-Tutor the Math and Sciences as a part-type business.
-5 Years of City Track, 2 Years of School Track, 3 Years of Coaching City Track.
-Organized Concession stands for city track team. Their biggest profits came when I was running the show. ;)</p>

<p>Long List of Colleges I'm Interested in:
Penn
Dartmouth
UCLA
Berkeley
UCSD
UCSB
Georgetown
USC
City College of NY
Reed
Caregie Mellon
Cal Poly Slo
William and Mary</p>

<p>I have strong test scores, which look like they'll be stronger when I apply, and strong ECs. However, I know my GPA is weak. I went from being Salutatorian to about top 12% in a year, due to a heavy depression I couldn't shake my Sophomore year. I became apathetic about my grades and was too proud to ask for help. I had a tepid recovery Junior year and am running strong this semester.</p>

<p>I'm wondering if I can get into most, if not all of these schools with my weak GPA. I'm a strong essay writer and am currently brainstorming an essay in how Scouts (a passion I enjoy), helped me rebound from the low-point in my HS career. If I can't get into the top ones (Ivy), how should I set myself up for a potential transfer?</p>

<p>To diversify a bit, I would apply to some of the top midwestern and southern schools.</p>

<p>While not “easy” to get into, they are “easier”.</p>

<p>That being said, you will get to many of the schools on your list.</p>

<p>Many colleges will be impressed by the fact that you are an Eagle Scout.</p>