motivate14

I am Asian, living in California.
I am in the class of 2014.
I am going to be a junior.

Honestly, until a the the second semester of sophomore year, I have never cared for college. I always told my parents that I had no interest in college, but that all changed for personal reasons.

So basically, I was never motivated until just a few months ago.

Freshman year 1st semester:
Architectural design: A-/A (forgot sorry)
AS Modern world history (AS=honors): C-
AS English: C
PE: A
Spanish3 : B
Biology 1: A
Geometry: A-

Freshman Year 2nd semester:
AS English: B-
Health: A-
PE: A-
Architectural Design: B
Spanish 4: B-
Biology: A
Geometry2 : A-

About the architectural design, on the final, I arrived an hour late due to personal reasons, and though the test was open notes, a classmate got in my locker and took my notes, assuming that I was not going to come. Dropped my grade by a lot... haha

Sophomore Year 1st semester:
Spanish 5: B-
English 3 AS: B-
Algebra 3: A
Architectural Design 3: A
Chemistry: A-
PE: A
Modern World History (not honors): B+

Sophomore Year 2nd semester: (Midway through this semester, I decided to take school more seriously)
Spanish 6: B
Architectural Design: A
Algebra 4: A-
English AS: B
Chemistry: A-
PE: A
Modern World History 2: A-

On the PSAT, I got a 170.
Critical Reading: 51
Mathematics: 70
Writing Skills: 49

I started taking some classes, and my best practice score was 1940.
Critical Reading: 600
Mathematics: 740
Writing Skills: 600

I took the SATs in February, but did not do very well, scoring ~1750.
I plan on retaking the test next March or so.

2 Years in Varsity golf

I know that my grades are not that great, But Recently, as I've mentioned, I found motivation.

I am a member of the local Leo's club, though I have been inactive for a while.
I peer tutor some kids in math, specifically Algebra and Geometry, but not in school. In their homes (for free)
I have been volunteering at a local retirement home, though I was unable to log any of my hours as I started during Summer Break.

I am also taking Analytical Trigonometry and Pre-Calculus at a local community college, and am doing my best to hopefully get an A. I plan on taking AP Calculus, AP Bio, and AP US History next year.

My reach schools are Johns Hopkins U, Cornell, and UC Berkeley.
I realize that this is a long shot, but I just want to get an idea if I even have a chance or not.

Also if I did anything wrong, I am new to this forum so sorry~

motivate14

Also, I imigrated here from South Korea when I was in elementary school.

BUMP

Shrivats88

To improve your chances
Aim for a 2200 on the SAT when you retake it and 700's on your SAT II Subject tests.
Junior year grades are probably the most important so work very hard to get high marks.
Get involved in more extra curricular activities especially community and service ones.

emberjed

I doubt that you will get into Cornell, and the others just seem like normal reaches. To have the best chance possible, though, retake the SAT and try to get a 2200 or higher. Try taking the ACT and see how you do. Give your all to your junior year grades, like Shrivats88 said, because, yes, they are the most important. As for ECs, you probably shouldn't start any new ones; focus on the ones you have going on and develop them. Try to get to know your junior year teachers well so you can get good recommendations.

Oh, and what do you mean by logging hours? Also, why weren't you able to do that during the summertime?

csdad

Chances at the 3 schools listed are slim.

Ballhead

Unfortunately, those schools will not admit an applicant who has suffered from such lack of motivation. If I were you, I would aim for schools such as Rutgers U, Boston U, Ohio State. Schools that are ranked around 50-100 should be a good bet. If you are not satisified with attending such schools, there is still hope to attend much better schools. Attend one of the schools in the rankings of 50-100, and transfer ONLY if a GREAT GPA is obtained. Best of luck, and keep your head up! At the end of the day, going to a great school such as Cornell is amazing, but its all about the college GPA you have, not where you go. So go somewhere you can achieve greatness. Chance me back please? Boston College Transfer

motivate14

I am still volunteering at a local retirement home, but the reason I was unable to log my hours is because I started after summer break started. I think you need some sort of paper to record my hours? I have no idea actually... I've been volunteering at random places just for the hell of it.
And I realize that my chances at these schools, especially Cornell are pretty low. I was planning on doing early decision to Cornell.

As I feared, my lack of motivation came back to bite me.. haha oh how much I wish I can turn back time.

Listing schools that I would have a shot at will be appreciated ^_^
I'd also appreciate more chances. Thank you everyone

Ballhead

Keep aiming for the stars, and strive for a lot of A's or A+. Apply to schools like northeastern and rutgers

motivate14

Bump

I am going to take SAT II Math, Korean, and possibly Biology

ih8theo

Your GPA needs improvement, but I'm sure with your new motivation to achieve better grades you will get it to where it needs to be. Your extra curricular activities are very good. However, I don't think Golf is that important to colleges. I like your motivation to strive for very good colleges, but to get into those top colleges, you need to raise your SAT scores. I think a 2200 will do. I hope the best of luck to you!

motivate14

bump again~
any statements are appreciated!