I'm worried about not getting into the college I want to get into?

Question

I screwed up big time my first two years of high school but my mom had breast cancer, and my dad lost his job so it was a really tough time for me. Currently I'm starting my Junior year of high school with an average 3.29 weighted GPA.My class rank is low 271 out of 991 but my class is very smart and competitive.I took some Honors/AP classes but my transcript for the most part are filled with C's with some B's and some A's. I still have this year and half my of my senior year to improve my GPA.And I'm determined to do better.For SAT what score should I aim for?My extracurriculars are not too impressive but I do have them. I'm part of two clubs and hold the position of treasury in one of them.I'm part of a peer to peer helping program at my school.And I volunteer at my local hospital.

The schools I'm looking at(I live in CA):
UCSC
UCR
UC Merced
UCSB
UCI
UCD

And can you tell me what your high school GPA was/is?What college you ended up going/well go.

Answer 1

I'm worried too. I'm trying to get into the University of Michigan with a 3.2 GPA.

I did pretty bad my first 2 years of high school, but I got all A's last year (and I didn't take baby classes!)

When you write your essay for the college, include your story. Tell them WHY you got such bad grades. Ask a respected teacher to help you write it effectively.

On some college applications, there is a place where you are allowed to explain the reason you got the grades you did. Take advantage of that.

Also, start a club up this year. Any kind. Maybe an environmental club? Those look great. Form great relationships with teachers.

Maybe for your teacher recommendation, you could use a teacher that you had who saw your excellent academic improvement and they can explain to the college what they see in you.

Good luck! I'm praying for you!

Answer 2

You just have to focus, work hard, and do your best. Then apply to schools and see if you get in. You've made some mistakes, but we all have. Focus on what's ahead and do the best that you can.