Should I shoot for the top schools or realistic?

Chance Me / Match Me
1

<p>I have a 4.1 WGPA and 2100 SAT scores (Plan on 2200 next time though). My grades have consistently been A’s and B’s throughout high school except for a D+ in Pre-Cal one semester (to save time won’t explain why, but I can’t retake the course). I’ve run cross country and track all throughout highschool and I’ll be playing soccer next year. I’ve also a member of the science bowl team. 50% Mexican and a little Native American if that helps (lol). </p>

<p>With all that said, should i bother working my butt off over the summer and senior year “cramming for my app” (e.g. tons of community service, mastering the SAT, improving grades, etc. etc.) with hopes of reaching selective schools such as UCLA, UCB, DUKE, USC, UCSD? OR, should I accept the fact that a school like UCSB is more fit for me; since I’m pretty sure I’ll get accepted there. I’m quite ambivalent about the situation: if I “shoot for the stars” I’ll be working crazily, trying to make up for my bad GPA and D+, all the while stressing until next March/April for something that may have never been attainable. On the other hand, I can accept UCSB or whatever equal school and save from being emotionally shattered. </p>

<p>I know, I know… “try your best!”, but is it even worth trying? I only hear of the top kids from my school getting into some of the colleges I’ve mentioned.</p>

2

<p>I certainly don’t think you should call your GPA bad…a 4.1 is pretty good besides the D+ (which is bad but if you have an explanation colleges may be able to understand). I think you should go for it! Remember, you have a 0% chance of getting into a school you don’t apply to…so at least apply…it can’t be much more work since I think most UCs take the same app (common app? I’m not too sure though…???) I mean, while you will still have to work hard, would you be happier at UCLA than UCSB? If you would, then why not try? You only go to college once (well, for most people…)</p>

3

<p>my gpa isn’t bad but from various data, I see the average GPA for accepted to be closer to 4.4… and I’ve never heard of anyone apply to these types of colleges with a D+ on their record who expected to get in =//. Not being a math person, I repeatedly told my D i should take studies (2 year Stats course basically). he INSISTED that taking the hardest courses was best and even wouldn’t let me drop at quarter when I had a D. Well here I am… thanks D. </p>

<p>^^^ can’t exactly use that as an explanation though</p>