Low GPA, high test scores... California schools?

Chance Me / Match Me
1

Hi everybody. Thanks in advance to anyone who reads this because this is going to be a long one. I’m going to be a senior in high school fall of 2015. I’ve done extremely poorly in school-- I could give a bunch of reasons why, but it wouldn’t matter anyway and essentially it was my own fault, so there’s that out of the way. To give an overview of my GPA, I would think I have around a 2.0…? I failed two honors courses my sophomore year, with a C in another honors course, which basically brought down my 3.8 GPA from freshman year. Junior year, I had already given up on the thought of college so I didn’t try as hard as I should’ve. I received 3 Cs in regular courses (language, history, and science) by not turning in any class or homework.

As for ECs, after being an active member of two clubs my freshman year, I ran for and became a board member for both clubs my sophomore year. I was also class president my freshman and sophomore year. After going from a mostly straight-A student freshman year to a student who flunked out two classes my sophomore year, I had to drop my leadership positions my junior year as I was uneligible grade-wise. Rather, I tried out for my school’s Yearbook class and made it, and am now going to be Editor-in-Chief my senior year. I also became editor of my school’s literary magazine junior year, and have yet to hear back on whether or not in will receive the title as EIC of it next year. I am also going to be class president again, as my grades junior year were decent enough to allow me to run for elections for senior year. I have volunteered at my local library in three separate committees for four years as a tutor, a summer reading proctor for children, and as an event planner. I am/ have been a volunteer camp counselor for rotary youth international.

I have taken the SAT twice so far, scoring an 1800, then a 2100 (700 CR, 730 math, 670). The 1880 was with no practice, the 2100 was after 10 practice tests prior, and then a month of no reviewing before the SAT. I feel like if I really set my heart and mind to it and try to prepare myself, I can reach a 2300 because when I take practice tests, I usually get around a 760 for grammar excluding the essay, which I’ve never practiced, but will, and a 750/60 for CR. My ACT score is a 35. I am wondering if it’s worth taking a second time for the slight possibility of a 36(?).

Basically, my GPA is absolutely atrocious, but I think I have a decent amount of ECs, and worthy enough test scores.

Is there any chance I could get into any UCs, CA state schools, or small private schools in California?
Do you think there’s a chance I could get into Occidental College if I had great essay answers? And, if I have family alumni at LMU and USC, how would my chances look (mostly LMU-- I know USC’s a definite rejection)? Please give me school recommendations! My plan is definitely not to go to a community college, although I think it’s a brilliant option. I plan to graduate college early (taking AP exams + extra courses) and do really well (hopefully… I’m determined to not screw up again) and get into a grad school.

IF ANYONE MADE IT DOWN THIS FAR, THANK YOU SO MUCH.

2

Am I correct in presuming that you are a CA resident? I don’t think you’ll be eligible for consideration at any UC. They require a minimum GPA of 3.0. Calculate your UC-weighted GPA. If it’s even a fraction of a point under 3.0 (3.4 from out-of-state) you will be wasting $70 applying, even to Merced. I don’t know about the CSUs. I think they vary, and so you would need to look at specific campuses and departments. If you can afford out-of-state tuition, you’d be better off looking at some other western public universities, such as NV. Your test scores are excellent (especially the 35 ACT). I know there is a list somewhere on this site showing colleges with automatic admission based on scores. Occidental might be worth a try. Your grades are way below their standards, but they might like your test scores. Try Whittier, Redlands, et al. Evergreen State, in Washington, is another option.

3

I just remembered that the UCs do offer the option of “admission by examination” to high scorers. This would undoubtedly only apply to the least selective campuses, but you might explore it:http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/requirements/examination/index.html

4

I can’t say for sure whether you are eligible if you fail to meet the minimum GPA requirement for UC admission. You would have to check that out elsewhere. I suspect you still have to meet the minimum.

5

Your test scores are really great but your HS grades/GPA are going to be a big problem. For the UC’s as stated you need a minimum UC GPA of 3.0 and even at the minimum, your chances are slim. http://rogerhub.com/gpa-calculator-uc/
For the Cal States, a minimum GPA of 2.0 is required and an eligibility index of 2900 SAT/694 for ACT.
(CSU GPA x800) + (SAT M+CR) or (CSU GPA x200) + (ACT Comp x10). Even if you meet the EI, you may need to apply to non-impacted campuses such as Channel Islands, San Marcos, Monterey Bay, Stanislaus etc…

The other problem is that you need to meet the a-g course requirements for the Cal states and UC’s. Having D/F’s and in these classes will require a retake or grade validation. Here is the a-g course requirement matrix for the UC/CSU’s: http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/files/csu-uc-a-g-comparison-matrix.pdf
You do not meet the a-g course requirements, your application will not be considered.

You need to sit down with your counselor and see if you meet all the requirements for the Cal States. The link by examination courtesy of @woogzmama may fulfill some of the a-g course requirements for the UC’s, but it will still makes you ineligible due to GPA.

As for private schools, all the ones you have listed are not likely. I know you do not want to attend a CCC, but it seems to make the most sense. You are obviously a very intelligent student and the CCC’s have articulation agreements with the UC’s (TAG/TAP) and Cal States (AA-T/AS-T) that will guarantee admission at these schools as long as you meet the requirements. You need to prove the schools you are applying to, that you are capable of handling college level material. Having great test scores is not enough. Good Luck.