I’m hoping to get into UCB or UCLA but my ECs probably ruin that, so how are my chances for UCSB or Univ Oregon?
Race: White (Latina)
Gender: Female
GPA UNW: 4.0/4.0
GPA W: 4.33 (out of 5)
AP/Honours Courses:
AP Calc AB
AP Bio
AP Psych
AP World
AP Lang
Honours Chem
Senior Year Courses:
AP Comp Sci
AP Enviro Sci
AP Stats
SAT/ACT:
SAT: 1380
I took this in sophomore year, i plan on retaking this
ECs (weak af):
Went to thailand to build artificial coral reefs & study marine bio
Raised money and built computer for disabled veteran
took precalc class over summer
Clubs & Sports:
Humans Rights Club (leadership club)
LGBT Club
PC Building Club
Varsity Basketball
My EC’s are really weak because of things relating to transitioning (I’m trans) and this year being diagnosed as a schizophrenic (and being in the hospital etc). Sorry if it sounds like I’m making excuses, but it was definitely difficult for me at least. How bad is this going to affect me?? Thanks a bunch!
So sorry to hear about your mental health issues, so do you really want to attend highly competitive schools like UCLA or UCB? If you were just diagnosed this year, wouldn’t you want to stay near your family, friends and therapist to help you as a support system?
Mental Health issues can be a touchy subject when it comes to schools so you need to tread lightly especially if you are trying to explain your condition in your personal insight essays.
Race/Ethnicity is not used by the UC’s for admission purposes so no help in that area.
You have a competitive GPA for UC’s but your SAT needs to bumped up into the 1450+ range for the best chances at UCLA and UCB. UCSB is possible.
EC’s are important but for the UC’s, GPA, test scores, HS course rigor and your personal insight essays are the most important in their application review.
You need some safety schools on your list so I would add UCSC and UCR or some Cal states.
Best of luck and hope you stay healthy.
Thank you for the reply! It would be ideal to stay with my family as I’m still sorting my health stuff out, but I’m not entirely sure how that would affect my college process so I’m a tad reluctant. Glad to hear that the EC’s aren’t the biggest thing for UCs as well!
Your one EC with the coral reefs actually sounds pretty fascinating. Certainly pretty unique and something to build on in your essays.
As @Gumbymom mentioned you’ll want to get your SAT up into the 1450+ range to be very competitive. Other than that you are in decent shape.
From my limited dealings so far with UCB mental health and disabled student support, the staff has been first rate.
You are in great shape for U of Oregon already even if you don’t bring your SAT up, and I’ve heard good things about them being trans-friendly (a local gender-fluid friend of ours was excited to visit and find so many gender-neutral bathrooms on campus, and has chosen to attend there, not just for that reason). Best wishes.
That’s really good to hear! U of Oregon is looking really promising, especially because housing is so affordable up there. Thank you for your replies!