<p>I’m a Junior at a public Virginia high school. I’m a student in the Commonwealth Governors School ([The</a> Commonwealth Governor’s School](<a href=“http://www.cgsva.net/cgs/default.aspx]The”>http://www.cgsva.net/cgs/default.aspx)) which is the most difficult set of classes & curriculum that I could take. It’s much more challenging then IB. The problem is, since I’m challenging my butt off I currently have around a 3.6 GPA. I’m working really hard to get that up. I hope that I will be able to explain to UVA and Sewanee that that is why my grades are lower. I could have been in the regular school and gotten straight-A’s, but I decided to stretch myself. I am a Staff Reporter/Writer for my school’s newspaper, the Secretary of the Latin Club, Vice President of the Young Democrats, a member of SADD, Boy Scout (I’m currently Life and plan on getting Eagle, have held various troop leadership positions, and recieved God and Life: the Episcopal Church & Boy Scouts combo honor). I have been playing piano since I was three and French Horn since I was eleven. I am very involved with my church and the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, and am a member of the Parish Youth Ministries, which is 25 high schoolers in the Diocese of VA that plan and run various youth weekends/retreats and service days for all the youth in the Diocese. I have a few alumni connections at both universities: one of my godfathers went to Sewanee, and the other went to UVA, and I know many others that went to UVA. I worry that I won’t be able to get into UVA and I’d really really really like to go there. I’m a pretty good writer and I know I’ll be able to write a really good college essay. I haven’t taken my SATS yet: two coming up in the next couple months. I have all A’s in my non-core-academic classes (Wind Ensemble, French, Journalism, and American Sign Language) and I have As, Bs, and the occasional C in DE Chemistry, AP US History, and AP Language&Composition. I’ve gotten a high D in DE Chemistry and Honors Math Analysis. What are my chances?</p>
<p>As for Sewanee, I think you have some work to do but admission is very possible. Your cumulative GPA is within range but you will need to explain some of your lower grades. Good test scores will help. I would take every advantage to tell your story as a part of your Sewanee admissions effort—your extra-cirricular activities including the work for your diocese could also help you. Good luck to you.</p>