The college applications process...

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I understand fairly well how the application system for post-secondary education works... Unfortunately, my grade point average (3.2) is only slightly above average. It is not a representation of my intelligence (at the very least I have the scholastic aptitude test to prove that to some degree) and I do not have any extra-curricular activities to speak of beyond my special interest (reading.) I want to major and eventually earn a doctorate in Psychology, and I have a few universities in mind. However, these places typically require/prefer extra-curricular activities and a high grade point. Both of which, as I mentioned, I lack.
I want my application essay to explain something along the lines of "I know I look stupid, but please let me show you what I can do with my brain I have value.." ..... in a more appropriate and articulate way of course. I don't want my letter to be an opportunity to make excuses for my shortcomings, but I think that a savvy university might see the value in neurodiversity on campus. Has anyone accomplished expressing his or her difficulties in a college essay?

Have you taken your ACT/SAT yet? Cause those can count for a lot. I had a high GPA (three point eight), not many extracurriculars but many volunteer activities, and only slightly above average ACT. (Now I have a 27 which is good, but when I originally applied to colleges it was lower...and I was accepted with my lower score.) I got diagnosed with a chronic illness during my senior year of high school, so in my personal statements I wrote about that. By writing about it I was then asked about it during the admissions process. I chose that topic because I wanted to explain that even though I had done well in high school, I probably would have done even better/more stuff if I hadn't been dealing with this undiagnosed medical problem. And when I visited colleges/filled out apps I expressed interest in anything I might want to be involved in, even if it's just a small chance. I don't like bragging, but in case it makes you not so worried...I was accepted to everywhere I applied (I was rejected from the honors program at one school, but not the school itself.)

You might find these helpful. The first one, you make a profile, select schools you're interested in, and it shows little graphs and such to give you an idea of your chances at that school. The second, do a search or view the discussion boards and there are a lot of 'chance me' topics at each school.
http://www.cappex.com/
http://www.collegeconfidential.com/

You might look at sample questions for the ACT in a practice book (sometimes they're at the library, if not then the bookstore). Usually people do better on one test than the other. My counselor thought I would do better on the SAT, but I never tried it...maybe you would do better on the ACT. Oh, I nearly forgot this: I got accommodations for taking my ACT when I got my highest score. I would speak with your counselor and see if you can get accommodations, I bet you can because of AS. You may have to push for it, but I bet you can do it. You may have to go ahead and apply to colleges and turn in your SAT/ACT at a later date (if you take it again with accommodations). Also, there are usually local SAT/ACT classes that are free or don't cost much if you could find one of those. They are offered at local high schools and colleges. They are a Saturday thing, not a everyday class.

I actually wrote my essay really quickly, but it didn't have to be long. Some people like lists for their thoughts, though I prefer making bubble charts. I would try both and see which works best for you. There are all kinds of sample essays/personal statements online and guides for writing them, so check into those. I bet there are a lot of English majors out there that would love to help organize your essay or proof read it. If you ask your English teacher before school is out for summer, I bet he/she can refer you to someone to help you with essays during the summer. If you want a college student, there are usually fliers at the college for tutoring.

This summer will also be a time that you can do more volunteer/community service/part time job/whatever kind of stuff to add to a resume if you're up for it. I wasn't big on extracurriculars either, but I found a lot of more volunteer type stuff that was one person or small-groups of people. I did a lot of things with kids with disabilities, kids with communication disorders, and some stuff with animals. All of those were a lot of fun, things I was interested in and totally non-threatening/non anxiety provoking.