fullofwonder

Location: Canadian
School: public high school (about 2500 kids)
Race: African - Canadian (hook?)
Gender: Male

GPA: 82% / 3.34
Rank: No clue.
Courses: No AP courses available

Junior year anticipated average: 96%

Haven't taken SAT/ACT or anything like that, yet. Plan to score about a 2100, though.

In regards to my really low GPA: I have ADD - crippling ADD. I draw blank in the midst of conversations because my mind runs so fast; simple tasks like going up stairs to turn of the light aren't so simple. All in all, I'm on medication, and have learned to deal really well in terms of managing school work and other aspects of my life. Still, at the end of the day, my marks don't look so great - especially when they are compared to everyone else's. I'm hoping admissions will take these factor into consideration, and look at my circumstances and marks as evidence that I am someone who can deal with failure - who doesn't give up at the sight of struggle.

But wait - come one, come all - you haven't heard the best of it yet! I have other 'mental health issues' that require me to miss classes EVERY THURSDAY to attend 'support'. Missing classes once a week really sucks, and effects your mark; having ADD, dealing with other mental health issues and missing classes every week really, really sucks effects your mark and as you can imagine, really really sucks.

Awards:
Multiple school awards for excellence

Work Experience:
Cineplex Odeon Theatre - 15 hours/week
300 Hours at Independent Movie House (school credits rewarded, not paid)

Other things to note:
Film Portfolio - I'm in a film/media program at my school, and a lot of my time goes towards film, whether it be writing scripts and storyboards or actually filming. I have a short documentary series and my film portfolio is simply fantastic (if I don't so so myself). I have proper knowledge of setting up lighting and equipment and it shows in my films.

I also do a lot of work filming and setting up lights/audio for school events.

My teachers absolutely love me, and I can get fantastic requests - which I know I really NEED to have a chance.

I expect my essays to be fantastic, and plan to explain how well (again, If I don't say so myself) I've dealt with the struggles I've mentioned above.
Above all, I love to learn, and I mean, If I didn't love to learn, if I didn't love asking questions then I probably would have had completely different results in regards to my situation.

My strengths are in english (I'm actually supposed t be in the gifted english program) and media and I plan to play these strengths to my advantage through the essay and a portfolio.

Anyone have any comments, opinions, advice? I'm thinking I have no shot, but some of my friends are saying my unique circumstances might play out.

fullofwonder

anyone? bump?

fullofwonder

bump again? =/

fullofwonder

bump, again. =/

fullofwonder

bump :s :s

jaytehman

As a person with ADHD and depression, I almost find it insulting that a well medicated person would use ADHD as an excuse for a "Low" GPA. Also, what you have to realize, is that people on college confidential cannot tell you anything about your chances at any school without SAT/ACT scores. Get your grades up, study your ass off for the SAT/ACT and write an amazing essay about how you've beat ADHD and this "other mental health issue" and not an essay about how you couldn't because of ADHD. Fight for your dream.

fullofwonder

Thanks for the advice. I didn't intend to make the ADD seems as an 'excuse'.

Honestly, I'm confused to why you are 'almost insulted', but still apologize.

As I'm sure your aware, medication doesn't just shoo the problems away. It's a process - not only to find the right medication (which took years for me), but to partner it with other 'solutions'.

Maybe your ADHD didn't have drastic effects on you, and maybe it did. Regardless, i went through hell because of it, and the unfortunate truth is, it has a drastic effect on not only my marks but my everyday life - I thought it should be made aware, though not made as an 'excuse', which it appears it has come off as.

FutureBruin

I think jaytehman is being extremely rude. I don't think you were intending to use your ADD as an excuse. It's good to inform college admissions officers of the struggles you've overcome. Overall, I think you need to do you best to raise your GPA and do well on the SAT/ACT and then you'll be fine.

fullofwonder

Thanks for the advice, FutureBruin. I'm currently studying for SATS, and shall work hard to boost my GPA. : )

jaytehman

Maybe I was too harsh, I apologize for that.

fullofwonder

I appreciate the apology, jaytehman. All in all, you provided me with some good advice and things to keep in mind.

Anyone else have any suggestions/things to say? Anyone have any interesting advice? Anyone think I have no shot at all and want to tell me why?

Andy436

You got a good focus on film as your EC. Still got a lot of high school to go so stay true to yourself and continue film & study for SAT. I cant really say much since you dont have SAT scores or a rigorous schedule yet. However GPA is a bit low, try getting it to atleast 3.6 or so, you got plenty of time. Make sure in essays that you talk about this "mental" struggle not directly and really show your heart in them.

fullofwonder

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! A 3.6 GPA sounds like a great aim to work towards.

As for my schedule:
Unfortunately, my school does not offer AP courses (very few in my province do). In my province you can choose between 'university level' and than 'college level', the former offering for a more rigorous schedule.

Senior Year I am taking,
Inteirdescineplary Media Studies, Television and Movie Production, Studies in Literature, Biology, Physics, Advanced Functions, Calculus, and English (all 'university' level)

aoeder

Your academics aren't ideal... but your EC's might make up for it. As long as you get at least a 2000+ on the SAT or a 30+ on the ACT, I think you'll get in.

1313555

I agree with jaytehman, I think you could really win them with great essays about overcoming ADD, but you also need to work on your grades, and definitely take the SAT and do well. however, given that the sat is a 3+ hour test full of nonstop, joyous, timed concentration, I'm not sure how well you will do given your condition. Practice timed tests, and timed practice sats, and you should do better. Your ECs are good, but maybe expand on the film interest, participate in even more film based ECs. Plenty of time left...