<p>Two years ago I would not have imagined applying to UCB. One year ago, I had just come back from travelling for one year in Latin America. I saw poverty, found meaning/purpose, etc: it changed my life. I’m telling you that because it was what I wrote about in my essay.</p>
<p>Anyway, in the past five quarters I have had all A’s except for maybe two B’s, whereas my grades from 2007 are terrible. My transcript looks like night and day. So I have a really strong upward trend.</p>
<p>I’m applying to the Development Studies major (like social/economic development for those who aren’t familiar. Again, it ties into my essay about travel experiences).</p>
<p>My GPA is still low overall: maybe 3.1 or even 3.0. I’m not sure, because there are a lot of old F’s from my other community college. But I am sure it is at least a 3.0</p>
<p>Also, I had work experience, volunteer experience, and a KILLER essay. Take my word for it.</p>
<p>Also, the Development Studies major… I haven’t found even one person that is majoring in this, so since it is less popular I should have an easier time getting in (?)</p>
<p>Found out how academic renewal works in the CC you’ve got those Fs in. If you were to get rejected, you can provide them new evidence (through appeal) that your substandard grades are now alleviated.</p>
<p>edbraga: so that’s preferable to (after completing academic renewal) making another change to the Application Update that is in review right now?</p>
<p>I’m not sure if it’s too late to make the changes… call to make sure you’re able to. If that doesn’t work, hope you’ll get accepted or go though appeal. (even though appeal acceptance are low, it’s worth a shot.)</p>
<p>I’m just saying, in the case you do get rejected, doing academic renewal now will make your appeal case stronger.</p>
<p>I wanted to know if anyone has an opinion about me possibly getting into these other schools/majors (I’m the original poster, so consider the info I gave above)</p>
<p>UCSD: Third World Studies
UCLA: Latin American Studies
Davis: Econ</p>
<p>I definitely agree, you should petition for Academic Renewal immediately. If you don’t get in, use AR as an appeal strategy.</p>
<p>Also, I like your chances. With F’s years ago, and then all A’s and a couple B’s after that, you’re definitely competitive. I think you have a solid - strong chance at all those UC’s with your remarkable trend and essays that pertain to why you were doing poorly and how you’ve changed.</p>
<p>Since you’re being evaluated holistically, you should have a pretty good chance. I really wouldn’t be surprised if you got into 3 or 4 of them. I don’t know how good UCB’s Developmental Studies admission percentage is. If it’s high, like 45% or so, I’d say you have a strong shot.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for your responses, especially emilsinclair9 (btw, I don’t know the development studies admission rate, but the International Area Studies department, which DS is under, has something like 43%). </p>
<p>If anyone else wants to voice their opinion, please do</p>
<p>You look like an academic renewal candidate to me, and I’d be shocked if you don’t get into at least one good program. I would do your best to highlight your rapid improvement and if you have to appeal based on AR.</p>