<p>How much do programs such as EAOP, Upward-bound, etc. influence admissions into Berkeley? </p>
<p>I’m eligible for the program (due to socioeconomic background, which I believe that is what they base it on), but am not part of any of the programs. Will someone who has participated have an edge over me in admissions?</p>
<p>I actually have not heard very much about these programs but will tell you that they probably won’t help you a lot. Despite their new “holistic approach” it seems like the UCs like Berkeley still base much of their decisions on numbers, i.e. GPA, SATs, and so forth. ECs and essays take a back-seat and especially if we’re talking about one specific EC. It would help, I’m just not convinced it would help a lot.</p>
<p>I think they get you invited to targeted Overnight Stay Programs, other than that not much…</p>
<p>K, thanks. Since UC sponsors these programs, I thought they would play a big role. So participation in UC sponsored programs won’t help too much?</p>
<p>I read somewhere that Cal does take participation in Cal outreach programs into consideration so you do get some credit during the process.</p>
<p>It’s only likely to help at the margin.</p>
<p>Since Berkeley is looking for students who challenge themselves both inside and outside the classroom, any sustained commitment to an activity/organization, etc. is a plus. But it is just one factor of the many…</p>