<p>I am sure your grades are excellent. All eligible applicants to the UCs are in the top 12.5% of students statewide, so “noting” that you are in the top 10% simply puts you on par with the rest of the applicants. (At UCLA last year, for example, there were over 50,000 applicants and more than 25,000 of them had OVER a 4.0 GPA.) By meeting OOS eligibilty requirements (which are higher than in-state requrements), you are automatically assumed to be in the top 10%. If you feel you need to repeat that information, you could make one of your essays about your class rank (I do not recommend that approach). </p>
<p>As an out-of-state applicant, it is far better to research and find out if you are eligible rather than making that “assumption.” OOS counselors are not generally familiar with the very specific UC requirements (VPA is the one I see most often missed) so it is up to you to be sure you have the A-G requirements and all testing requirements. A-G information: <a href=“http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/undergrad_adm/paths_to_adm/freshman/subject_reqs.html[/url]”>http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/undergrad_adm/paths_to_adm/freshman/subject_reqs.html</a></p>