<p>Honestly, your chances look extremely grim. If you do not meet the UC requirements (A-G, 3.0 GPA) or come close, you will be denied no matter how many clubs you founded or what your score was on the SAT (well, maybe unless you scored a perfect on it but even then, if you don’t have the complementary components, your admission would still be questionable).</p>
<p>The term “well-rounded” roughly translates to high GPA and high test scores. On my application and experiences through school during the admissions phase, it seemed like extracurricular activities seemed trivial unless you held a leadership position such as a team captain or club founder (in this case you are good). However, below is a rough breakdown of what I believe admission’s officers take most into account.</p>
<p>GPA > test scores > extracurricular</p>
<p>This seems true to the point where student’s with 3.6 GPA’s and 1500 SAT scores gained admittance over student’s with 3.2 GPA’s and 1900 SAT scores, at least from my high school. </p>
<p>I’m assuming that you’re a junior entering your senior year as there was no posted GPA for senior studies yet. In that case, your chances aren’t past the point of no return but by no means should you relax. Depending on how your school does grades, you still have a chance to up that GPA past the 3.0 benchmark. Your GPA = sophomore, junior and part of senior year.</p>
<p>I’d advise you to explain your situation during your sophomore year (unless there wasn’t one at all) on your application. If I remember correctly, there was a spot to do so. When the admissions officer just sees the bad grades, that’s all he or she will see but when there is an explanation to the side (illness, family issues) then he or she MAY take into account the fact that you did well your junior year and showed the initiative to better your academic standpoint.</p>
<p>If you aren’t admitted the first time around, you can always petition for admission. I believe when you petition, they take into account your academic performance for the whole of senior year instead of half which may or may not work to your advantage. You also get to write a response which again, may or may not work to your advantage.</p>
<p>And as always, there is community college to think about. Most people would tell you that community college may be the better route as it is way cheaper and you are GUARANTEED admittance to certain UC’s as long as you maintain a certain GPA and complete certain coursework by the start of your junior year.</p>
<p>To sum things up, do well your senior year. I mean knock it out of the park, state, and universe. You really need to show an initiative to learn now in order to make up for the mistakes of your past but remember that this isn’t the end of the road. Good luck. :]</p>