Hi Sharkey! I am NOT really knowledgable about this so take my opinion with a huge shaker of salt. However, after going through the app process with DD and lurking here for a year, here is my take on it...
You need to boost that GPA - is that weighted or unweighted? My impression is the Academy wants to see a 3.8. I realize that in the second semester of your Junior year not too much can be done.
You didn't mention test scores, have you taken them yet? They need to be extra good to balance out the GPA.
As a point of reference, my DD was just offered a spot in the scholars program (prep school). She has a 3.6 UW at a highly competitive nationally-ranked high school. ACT - 30/ENG, 27/MATH, 30/SCI, 25/READ. She showed a lot of interest and had wonderful recs. She is not a minority, but being female probably helped her a smidgen. She is a recruited athlete, which probably helped her a lot of smidgens.
May I suggest two additional options for you? The first is to consider self-prep for a year if not accepted, and then reapply. This was DDs Plan B. I get the impression that if you really, really want CGA, and you show that with hard work and perseverance, eventually you will be accepted.
Also, have you considered the USMA? Of all the SAs, they seem the best fit for your stats. West Point seems to want a good student - not necessarily a great student - with a lot of other accomplishments and activities. The mission may not appeal to you, it is just an idea...
One other piece of advice... Develop a relationship with your admissions officer! We had no idea how important that was from just reading the website. Then at CFAD the presenters really stressed how important this relationship was, and we were sick about it. Since we had no questions, DD never thought to contact him, but at CFAD they told us how your Admissions officer is very much your advocate to the admissions board. You want this person to know you!
Hopefully Luigi or LITS will come along and give you some more knowledgable feedback. There is also someone from Admissions who posts here but the name escapes me right now. Best of luck to you!
thank you
