Reality check: is it even worth ED-ing? Am I even competitive?

Applying to College
1

Hi!
So, I’ve posted stats here before, received some good responses, and have made a list, but I kind of need a reality check.

I have a 3.49 UW/4.34 GPA and a 33 ACT. I know how bad the GPA is, but what dropped it was that I had a medical leave of absence sophomore year (my individual GPAs go 4.2 freshman year, 3.6 sophomore, and 5.17 junior–we only calculate weighted GPAs by individual year and I think that this shows it was a just slight dip and I obviously bounced back.) Rigorous courseload, 11 APs when I graduate.

So the GPA is bad. But I do like my test score, so that’s a good thing.

I also like my extracurriculars–I am an editor of an online magazine (which I won’t name for privacy, but we were just profiled in a large publication’s feature of teen magazines.). I’m a paid contributing writer at a youth-focused entertainment website. I have won two national and several regional awards for writing. I have been published in a small literary journal and was just recently interviewed in a large national magazine (which I will not name…for privacy…again. Lol.) I’m editor-in-chief of my school’s newspaper and I do ample volunteer work outside of school.

I like all of these things, but the GPA has really, really killed my confidence, although I was already accepted as an English writing major to U Pitt and that’s a nice boost. Right now, I’m applying to Ithaca, Emerson, GW, Syracuse, (and here’s where it begins to get dicey…) UNC, UVA, BU, BC, Barnard, Emory, and…Northwestern.

I know CC is going to be harsh on me for the latter half of this list. But is it even worth CONSIDERING some of those places, or should I just take them off now because wishful thinking? I was thinking about ED-ing to Emory or Northwestern, Emory for English or Northwestern for journalism. (v v fortunate that we can afford considering ed. price is not an issue for my family.) But I’m a realistic person, and I realize I am WELL below the standards for these schools. And I of course don’t want to waste the time and money of applying to places i know i won’t get in to, you know? Like, i’m not applying to Harvard bc it’s pretty obvious I wouldn’t get in, and I don’t know if I should apply the same philosophy for these schools.

Is my GPA going to kill my chances at these places? I know it’s bad, but I figured since I showed growth and had reason, it might not be too terrible…But I don’t know.

I just feel really lost because I think my ECs and score are good and I’m truly so passionate about everything I’ve done outside of school; it’s not just for a resume. I’m feeling lost because I feel like it’s not enough to make up for my poor GPA, and I feel like my GPA means that I won’t get in to any of my schools.

Help. Am I being completely unrealistic?

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First, you’re going to have great options – in fact you already do with Pitt.

I think the Additional Information section on the common app is a place where you can mention the medical leave and impact on your grades. You could even calculate what your GPA is if you don’t take into account the semester or year you had the medical issues. Don’t make it ‘whiny’ in any way – just factual and short. Something along the lines of “I took a medical leave (you can decide if you want to name the reason) from XXX to XXXX my Sophomore years and this absence negatively affected by grades for the semester (or year?). To illustrate, my unweighted/weighted GPA calculated without those that semester (year?) included would be XXX/XXX weighted. The medical leave also lowered my class rank. Fortunately, my health is now fine, and I have been able to demonstrate strong academic success my Junior and Senior years”

I think this really one helps, however, if you are sure that your school’s Guidance Counselor will also mention the medical leave in his/her letter so that it’s verified by the school. Make an appointment soon and talk this plan through with them.

I think Emory is a stronger chance for ED than Northwestern. If you can pay, why not give it a shot?

UNC you can apply EA, not ED so do that regardless.

You are an interesting candidate with a lot of demonstrated passion in one area – I think you’ll do well this cycle!

Good luck and keep us posted!

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As long as you show your passion through your writing, you’ll be perfectly fine! Considering you are an accomplished writer, I’m sure the essays will pose no problem for you :). Good luck!