<p>I realize that Stanford calculates GPAs with 10th/11th, and I've also seen a big common factor with those admitted: Very high class ranks.</p>
<p>My question is, I have an 'extenuating circumstance', that being my father was really sick (mentally, and I mean really sick), he was hearing voices in his head, lost his job, wandered around, and eventually had to spend a few weeks at a hospital. Needless to say, things got kind of hard, and My GPAs lopsided:</p>
<p>*These are only core classes, unweighted
10th 1st semester: 3.8 and then, when this started . . . 10th 2nd semester 3.4, 11th, 1st semester, 3.2, and now, 11th, this semester, 4.0. I've gone back to my usual all As, and I'm still in the top 10% (49/526, low for Stanford I realize) I have 2 very good and 2 very bad semesters, for a 3.6 average. I've always taken the hardest classes I could, my ECs are good (though just as good as any person rejected, I have a 2nd place state title, for instance), and my SATs show I'm capable (2200/2400 or 1490/1600, I'm sure I can get 2250+ in June). </p>
<p>I'm also a URM in a rural state, if those hooks would actually help. Would I still have at least somewhat of a chance or would my GPA still inevitably hold me back?</p>
<p>How are your SAT IIs? This seems like a case where SAT IIs and APs could make a difference, help the admissions officers see if they suggest you have strong academic potential. I suspect recs would also make a huge difference. </p>
<p>Did you have to take time to look after your dad? Or was it more of an issue of it being emotionally difficult? If you had to make time to take care of your dad, it seems that would be in your favor. </p>
<p>I think you still have a chance. If you have incredible essays and recs, maybe even a good chance. Don't spend your essay trying to explain away the grades. That should happen in both your teacher recs and the extra info section you get to explain stuff like that. Make your essay show how interesting you are as a person (note to roommate is a unique opportunity to try to get that across). </p>
<p>One more thing... in your particular case, it might be better to apply as a regular decision canidate than to apply early action. Virtually all of the time you have better chances if you apply early. I suspect that Stanford will want to see how your grades look by mid senior year, and it is VERY likely that you would be deferred if you applied early. I should point out that I'm far from an expert on this, but that seems to be what I hear from a lot of admissions representatives/college counselors.</p>
<p>Yes, I was DEFINATELY planning on applying RD because I know my senior year grades will be great (All core classes will be AP). My AP scores won't be phenomenal, but good (4s mostly). </p>
<p>To your first question, I'm taking SAT IIs in October but I'm sure they'll be 720+ with studying.</p>
<p>To the second, it was both emotionally difficult and a take-care-of thing. I wouldn't spend time talking about that, except in the section when they requested it, I've already learned that part methinks.</p>
<p>My hope for showing academic promise is my GPA balance. 3.6 is a low average, but it distributed from 3.8 3.4 3.2 4.0, the two middle being times of struggle. I'm sure I can do just as well senior year, and I think my test scores so far show I'm at least capable; but I'm just not sure as I'm only in the top 10%.</p>
<p>Top 10% should be fine. Choose your teacher recs carefully. They will probably be even more important than they would be usually. Make sure you choose someone who knows you well, thinks highly of you as a strong student, and is aware of the situation with your dad. If you have teacher recs that explain what was going on, how you still did well despite family issues, how you have succeeded in high school and will undoubtedly thrive at Stanford, then drop in grades is less likely to make a difference. </p>
<p>Also, being an URM from Arkansas should help... not entirely sure how much. </p>
<p>I think it could work out. I have no idea how likely it is to work out. Basically you need to find a way for the person who reads your application to go "wow, this sounds like a really interesting kid, it'd be a shame if they weren't at Stanford next year."</p>
<p>I think marlgirl's assessment is pretty accurate. Being a URM from Arkansas helps (yay underrepresented states!), and I don't think the rest of your application looks too bad. Do well on those essays and recs, and you've got a pretty solid shot - and if Stanford doesn't accept you, you've got an equally good chance to get into pretty much any other school in the nation.</p>
<p>Oh, and 3.6 wouldn't equal anything crazy like autoreject, would it? (I've just taken two of three AP exams for this year, I think I have 4s and 5s so far.)</p>
<p>I also agree with waiting to apply regular decision. At least at my school, more people were accepted than deferred SCEA (most were rejected). Stanford seems to be stingy with its deferrals--only if you have a significant chance in the RD applicant pool will they choose to give your application a second look over. Having the extra semester to improve your grades will definitely help you-- I calculuated that if you keep up your 4.0 for first semester senior year, you can have a 3.68 cumulative. Also, you should definitely use your SAT II's as a way to demonstrate your academic strength, now that you have "overcome" your difficulty. Write great essays, establish a good rapport with your teachers, continue on with activities that will set you apart.</p>
<p>I have a pretty decent amount of ECs and a lot of awards, but would it look like I'm trying to pack in more at the last minute if I participate in more during summer?</p>
<p>If there are activities that genuinely interest you, you should definitely participate in them this summer. If you start something this summer it's probably less impressive than sticking with it for 3-4 years, but it seems that it can't hurt your application. They do ask what you did the past couple of summers so it's probably a good idea to find something meaningful to do with this summer, whatever it might be.</p>
<p>I also have another question--now that school's out for me, I've recieved my finalized semester grades (the 4.0 that I predicted). Though my overall grades are much lower, how much might it improve my case now that I've maximized my GPA? And how much more if I maintained it senior year?</p>