Hi! I’m currently a junior in high school and just learned that my combined GPA for freshman and sophomore year is officially an 84. I seriously don’t know how that happened as I didn’t realize it was THAT low. Due to some major extenuating circumstances that I don’t think I’d casually bring up in my applications, I had an extremely rough freshman year. But for what it’s worth, I’m doing well this year comparatively and I do have an upward trend…
Anyways, I’m taking 2 AP classes now and 4 next year. I expect to just have an 86 cumulative average by the end of junior year, which sucks. And an 89 by second semester senior year (but that’s too late). I got a 1160 on the PSAT which also sucks, but I really wasn’t trying and I think I could get a 1300. I’m poor AF in an extremely wealthy town with a single mother from Puerto Rico and an alienated father in Brazil, so I’m an URM- especially in my enviornment-if that counts for literally anything. I would be a first generation college student, and I’m working on an essay that’s sort of like a funny sob story TRYING to explain why I did so horribly. I have decent EC’s, I’m taking a couple community college courses in the summer, and I’ve done volunteer work in Colombia. I take care of my little half brother and work for my household income. I really am a hard worker and I do believe that I am worthy of being granted admission to a good school. I just wish I could go back and fix freshman year because in the grand scheme of things, all I have to bring to the table is a 3.0 gpa and no money.
My top schools are Pitzer (alumni) Tulane (alumni) UMiami and Loyola Marymount LA. I would apply ED or EA to any of these regardless of cost. I understand that the chances of me getting in to any of these schools are slim, I just don’t know what I can do to truly help myself at this point. Honestly, what would you do?
Hi there. I am giving your situation some thought. A couple of questions: Why these schools? Do you have a major in mind? Thanks!
I’m from Connecticut and I want to go somewhere lively, warm, and far away. My brother goes to Pitzer and I absolutely love everything about it, I know he’d be so proud if I got in. I also used to pass by LMU a lot and it’s just always seemed so nice. My aunt and uncle went to Tulane and the school just represents success for me, same with Miami in that sense. I’m thinking maybe going international wouldn’t be so bad, Barcelona University or something, but I’m not sure how well that would accommodate my major.
I know that it’s a tough field nowadays but I’ve always been extremely interested in political sciences, so I’d major in that or prelaw.
Thanks so much(:
Yes, I understand the allure of warm and far away. 
Here is something to consider: you are likely looking at some sort of graduate school. Be very careful about your student loan debt load as an undergrad. You mentioned a few times in your post that money is an issue for your family. My concern about Tulane, Loyola Marymount and UMiami is that they would not provide the kind of need-based aid that other schools will (I used Niche to determine this)…there may be better sources out there. Check out this list of schools that meet 100% of need:
http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/2016-09-19/colleges-that-claim-to-meet-full-financial-need
*Some of the Claremont Colleges are on the list. There are MANY CA colleges on the list.
*As for Barcelona University, it looks like the classes are only offered in Catalan.
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/international-students/1662837-university-of-barcelona.html
*In terms of chances: It looks like you would have a good chance at Loyola and a good chance at UMiami. Tulane and Pitzer are definitely in the “reach” category due to your GPA. Personally, I think you need to expand your list. What if you are accepted but receive a poor financial aid package? You want to have lots of options.
*In terms of your ECs, do you have any that are related to Poli Sci? If not, are your ECs focused in a particular area? Have you shown leadership? I see that you work to support your family. This should be definitely mentioned in your essays as well as the issues that you faced as a Freshman.
If you want to see how colleges weigh course rigor, GPA, letters, first-generation student, etc… Google: Common Data Set for ______________. List any college. Scroll through for some very specific data. Also, check out the Colleges that Change Lives website for another perspective: www.ctcl.org
By the way, take all of my advice with a grain of salt. I am a newbie college consultant. You may receive more reliable posts. I wish you the very best of luck!!