<p>I’m a junior (obviously) at a private christian school. I have a 3.8ish GPA and have taken, for the most part, the most challenging classes my school offers. I’m on the national honors society and the academic league. I’ve organized a recycling program at my school. I’ve been interning for congressman Bob Filner for the last year. I have gone with my church on several occasions to visit orphanages, and build houses in Mexico and Jamaica. I’m heavily involved in the local san diego music scene. I’m a singer-songwriter (I play guitar, steel guitar, accordian, drums, etc.), and I’ve one awards for my songwriting. I’ve released 3 albums and have been nominated for 3 san diego music awards. I have worked together with Taylor guitars to fund music programs in elementary schools, and have performed at political rallies and a water conservation fund-raiser. I haven’t taken my SATs yet (and I’m really a little concerned about how I’ll do on them). Not to play the sympathy card, but both of my parents passed away my freshman year, so I have a compelling story (and I maintained my grades in the midst of that). What do you think? Thanks in advance!
-Derek</p>
<p>You sound like you have really great ECs. As long as you do well on your SATs (like 2000+) I think you have a very good chance. Do you live in California? If not then you will have a harder time getting in.</p>
<p>You should be aiming for Harvard, not Berkeley. The private schools will place a lot more weight on your soft factors than the UC’s will. You’re soft factors probably won’t come into play much at the UC’s since using “soft factors” for enrollment is a way of enforcing a kind of affirmative action.</p>
<p>I am a California resident. I know the UC’s don’t put much weight on E.C.s or “soft factors”. Doesn’t Berkeley look at them a little more carefully than the rest, though? Thanks for the replies.</p>
<p>Berkeley’s application process emulates that of private schools. The lack of “soft factors” consideration disappeared some years ago.</p>
<p>Cal considers EC’s as much as the private schools do–the difference is Cal gives preference to in-state students. This is partially why when most UCs admit fairly predicably, Berkeley becomes more and more unpredictable. This word I have from a UC Berkeley admissions officer.</p>
<p>Go for it. I’d say you have a pretty good shot.</p>