Alright, so my GPA is my biggest obstacle with my application. I am a rising junior at a rigorous, well known high school. The courses here are very challenging, and have a reputation for being at the college level (some of them aren’t even offered at most universities). Sophomore year was really rough; I got 4 C’s in sciences, but other than that I got A’s and a few B’s. My freshman year, I was a straight A student taking all honors classes, and then I transferred schools. I’m really worried that colleges like MIT or U of Chicago will take one look at my GPA and just turn me down. What do you think?
GPA: 3.5 (I can get it closer to a 4.0 by end of junior year)
SAT: 2350 (I have to take it again Junior year)
ACT: 33 (also have to take it again Junior year)
E/C:
Student Ambassador- I promote the school to prospective students
Robotics- Leadership position
Cross Country/Track- Varsity athlete
I teach students in STEM classes during the summer
Speech Team- numerous awards
I’ve conducted independent research on mental/emotional adaptation under an adviser
I’ve also done private research at the university level in biology
I tutor students in writing/grammar works
Awards:
Numerous writing awards from various university writing contests
National Japanese Exam gold medalist
ICTM State Math qualifier 2014
As for hooks? I have started up a social entrepreneurship venture that will allow girls in Tanzania and Kenya a means of secondary education. My goal is to help the economy of these communities through education. My idea has already been picked up and will take initiative this summer.
I am a Hispanic girl who will be the first member of the family to attend college. Please, any advice on improving my chances would be greatly appreciated. I know admission into elite schools is difficult, but how do you see my chances?
Thank you for any advice 