I am currently a 12th grade student who is applying to UCLA and UCSB. I would prefer going to UCLA over UCSB.
State: PA
High School: Public
Unweighted GPA: 3.35
Weighted GPA: 3.6
I have taken 7 honors classes and 4 AP classes
SAT: 1920
Critical Reading: 640
Math: 670
Writing: 610
Extracurricular Activities
4x varsity Cross Country
2x varsity Cross Country Captain
4x varsity Lacrosse
1x varsity Wrestling
Member of National Honors Society
Job at a local restaurant
Volunteer Work:
300+ hours at a organization for kids with mental disabilities
50+ hours at a local Soup Kitchen
Throughout my high school career I had to deal with many extenuating circumstances like being diagnosed with Audio Processing Disorder, my dad being deployed to Iraq, and then him coming home and being diagnosed with cancer. I talked about this and my community service in my essays
Intended Major: Economics
2nd Major: Political Science
Your GPA and SAT scores are too low for UCLA but UCSB appears to be more of a match. If you do have difficulty with APD, then the pace at UCLA would be too fast.
Your story is compelling, but I don’t think that will make the cut for UCLA. Add more safeties.
Normally, OOS students pay $55K per year, but, with your father’s history of military service, you would probably get instate tuition, but that would be the only cost adjustment. In addition to instate tuition, you would still have to pay housing and fees, which, in California, is not cheap.
I agree with @aunt bea that UCLA and UCB are probably out of reach. UCSB could go either way since your GPA and test scores are on the low side, but a compelling essay(s) could definitely give a boost.
Speak with your high school college counselor about your chances. That person knows you best and is in touch with the relationship and history between your school and UCLA. So much goes into the offer of admission, including your essay, high school reputation, and class profile. Parents of college students, aunts, fellow students, etc., have no idea how your application will play to the UCLA admissions rep for your state. Good luck with the process.
Im not tryna be pessimistic, but your essay needs to be PRETTY good to get accepted into both. Your grades and SAT scores are below average, but you have extracurriculars and other aspects that separate you from the common applicant. I would rely on focusing more on the essay and with everything, i wouldnt be surprised if you went to ucla. They love good grades and stuff, but I know people with worse stats that got in because they “fit”. If it is your dream school, go for it. No one’s stopping you.