Chance me for UCs please? Thank you! :)

pianodancer
Mon, 26 Dec 2011 15:10:23 +0000

Hey Cinnabon.

Like Drone said, I’m also from California and am currently a freshman at UC Berkeley. As you already know, your gpa isn’t quite as strong as it probably should be. However as others have said, moving around so much probably justifies it along with the fact that you mention helping others a lot in your essays. I would disagree with what Drone says about the SAT merely being “icing on the cake.” The SAT Is very important because it is “standardized,” and so is supposed to put everyone on the same grading scale despite disadvantages etc (though i suppose many have found ways around this trait of the SAT with expensive tutors and what not). Thus I’d say in juxtaposition with your grades, your SAT score is definitely good enough for any UC and adcoms will recognize that. Your SAT II’s are also strong (however I consider THOSE the icing on the cake). They could help you if you apply declared in some sort of science or undeclared letters and science (Considering you don’t legit declare a major until the END of your sophomore year). Extracurriculars are pretty good and volunteering look good and you get some bonus points for uniqueness for the whole company thang. All in all, the fact that you are in the top 8% is also admirable and UC’s will hopefully maybe recognize that even if you don’t put it in your app.
AS FOR YOUR CHANCES:
UCB: high reach
UCLA: high reach
UCSD: reach
UCI: match
UCD: match
UCSC: match
UCSB: match

However, Not sure if all the “match” schools above will take you. I predict at least 1 or 2 will. Don’t freak out about UCB/UCLA being considered reach schools. Cal was my reach, and I still got in.

Otherwise, good luck and have Happy Holidays. Hope my post was helpful.