<p>When submitting my UC application, I received a message saying I was not in the top 9% at my school. I looked at the statewide calculation thing and I am in the top 9% statewide, although apparently not in the local context. I am applying to a major at UCLA that, while rather impacted, is largely decided by a supplemental application. This major is film. I have been receiving rather positive reception to my writing materials, both supplemental and normal, from a professor who formerly was at UCLA but now works at UCSB. In addition, I have a 4.04 UC GPA and a 2240 SAT. I am engaged in various extracurriculars and have amassed several awards, but none of them are relevant to film. I have no recent experience in film other than analysis in English courses and casual viewing.</p>
<p>Will the fact that I am not in the top 9% harm my chances very much? I attend a rather competitive high school. (Note: we do not do class rank at my school.)</p>
<p>My understanding is that the local context thing is not that important…the statewide is more so and as long as you qualify for UC in at least one of them, you should be fine for consideration. Remember, the ELC is mostly to help students who come from low performing high schools. For those in competitive high schools, it is much more likely you will be eligible in the statewide context. However, different schools within the UC system may evaluate this in different ways. Your stats certainly look competitive; of course, with a competitive major such as the one you are looking at, you would always want to have a safety plan.</p>
<p>Okay, great to know, then! That mollifies me a good deal!</p>
<p>As for a safety plan, I’ve got quite a few to choose from. UCLA is my dream school, but I’m well aware it won’t be easy to get in with this major. It’s not stopping me from giving it my best effort, though.</p>
<p>Worst comes to worst, I’ve also applied to CSU Long Beach, CSU Northridge, UC Irvine, UC Santa Cruz, and UC Santa Barbara.</p>