Hey guys, haven't posted in a while, been really busy.

I've started to look into colleges, and i've realized that the selective ones are all asking for GPA's of 3.8 and 3.9

The problem is, i'm sitting at a 3.24

I really want to get into one of these top colleges (top 30).
The gpa is messed up because my freshmen and sophmore year were a horrific blur.
I didn't know who i was and was depressed all the time.
Couldn't get enough sleep, couldn't focus.
I even thought about suicide a couple of times.

The summer between my sophmore and junior year, I changed.
It was like magic.
I began to improve, and actually be happy.
I was amazed at myself.
from a 3.0 gpa to a 3.8 gpa
from not even making the secondary cut, to going under the state qualifying time by 2 sec in swimming.
from like 4th or 5th chair in violin to first chair.

I began to see myself more positively.
I used to think i was ugly, and tried so hard to fit in. I was even afraid to talk to average girls.
But now I think i'm awesome (not to get too egotistical)
Now i am just so real and natural.
I can talk and make friends with anyone.
My confidence and personality and just changed so much, I couldn't even believe that was me 2 years ago

I mean, this change is HUGE.
My life took a 180 spin.
I'm motivated and ready.
I'm looking for something high to reach for; something to inspire me.

How can I make the colleges see this?
I haven't got my ACT score back yet, but i'm pretty sure i got around a 30.
I mean, they'll just see my 3.24 and thats it.

I'm so much more than that.
I've worked my ass off and been busy with passion for the last year.
COUNTLESS hours of practicing violin, swimming, and studying.
for what? for the colleges to see my 3.24 and brush me aside?

Help me out here guys, what can i do?

I haven't got my ACT score back yet, but i'm pretty sure i got around a 30.

You seem confident for not having scores back yet. Good for you, if you did that well. I had a non-stellar hs gpa in the low 3's and a 31 ACT. The next option after not being able to get into a top school is to take a full ride scholarship at a lesser school. That's what I did. Kids tend to take out too many student loans, and being able to graduate without them will help you out very much financially after college. It takes the pressure off to not have to take a job you don't want just to make your student loan payments.

I've done about 20 practice tests lol.
thats why i can sorta predict what i got.

and my parents are going to be nice and pay for college, so money isn't an issue here at all.

I mean, is there anyway for the colleges to see how i've changed, and see what i'm like now?
like an essay or interview?
anyone have experiences or knowledge of that?

double post