Should I apply Early Decision or Regular Decision?

HeyImAlok
Mon, 06 Aug 2012 20:06:56 +0000

First off - should I apply Early Decision? Should I even bother applying at all? My initial grades are horrendous -> I changed school districts for high school and this high school is CRAZY competitive with an extremely rigiorous curriculum (80% asian), which is why my freshman year grades are so low (I had a 3.8-4.0 throughout middle school). I’m in California.

Background Info:

High School: Extremely rigorous, top 50 high schools in the nation

Indian (South Asian)

Income: 150k

*Computer Science Major

I messed up really bad in high school until junior year. W = weighted, UW, = unweighted
Freshman Year: 2.5 UW/W, 2.83 UW/W
Sophmore year: 3.0 UW (3.167 W), 2.67 UW (2.83W)
Junior Year: 3.67 UW (4.167 W), 3.67 UW (4.167 W) —> 3 APs

SATs (Barely prepped):
1st attempt: 1850
2nd attempt: 1980

Going to attempt again in October, I’m positive I will get at least a 2100, and possibly a 2200.

ACT:
1st attempt: 32
Going to attempt again in September, aiming for 34 or higher.

SAT II: Math (760), Bio (770)

Others:

150 hours community service

DECA (Business Club):

3rd in Northern California for Math Marketing

4th for presentation, 8th overall for Advertising Campaign in States competition

YouTube Partner with a channel on Technology (relates to my major, computer science)

2,800 subscribers

My technology guides and reviews have been watched 1.1 MILLION times

Currently building a website for an upcoming organization that raises money for charity through gaming

2 years JV Badminton

Intro to Computer Science course over the summer, got an A

Intro to Programming in C course over the summer, got an A

Currently developing an iPhone app!

I have been slacking throughout high school until junior year. At the summer, end of the sophmore year, I went to India and realized I’m taking everything I have for granted. While others in India are yearning to learn but forced into crappy, mediocre schools, if any, I am slacking off, even though I am given the opportunity to attend one of the nations top 50 high schools. The vacation to India opened my eyes, and I realized I need to make the most of my fortunate situation. I tried throughout junior year, with 3 AP courses, and got a 3.67 unweighted, 4.167 weighted GPA.

I’m absolutely positive I will have atleast a 3.67 Unweighted GPA, 4.3 Weighted. My rigorous schedule next year:


AP Calc BC
AP Physics B
Finite/Discrete
AP World
Regular English
Gov/Econ


What are my chances of getting in? I’m extremely passionate about technology and would love if I could further develop my knowledge by majoring in Comp Sci at great college. Should I even apply, or forget it? I’m willing to apply Early Decision if that greatly increases my chances.