Some questions about some mitigating circumstances in my potential admission chances

Chance Me / Match Me
1

<p>I am someone looking to apply for several UC’s, and although I am a very gifted student (may not totally look like that on paper, but I have strong critical thinking skills and my teachers generally see me as a strong contributor to class discussion), there are some mitigating circumstances with my transcript. I took math independent study for my first two years (a decision which I regret vastly.) I am a senior now, and I took Algebra 2 in the regular program last year (got a high B first semester and an A second semester), plus I have a solid B in Pre-Calculus right now. However, the independent study classes are non-transferable for UC so it looks like I’ll have to take an extra math through an online program that my school offers, a risk which I am willing to take. I am thinking about taking something easy like Geometry for credit, or possibly doing Statistics, but I fear that this won’t matter if the class is still in progress by the time they respond to any applications. Do any of you have expertise in this matter? </p>

<p>Another dilemma is that I got a D in the second quarter of Spanish 2 my sophomore year (at my school, all on campus classes that are not AP or math-related are 2 quarters, similar to the college system, meaning you only have 3-5 classes per semester.) I tried really hard, but still ended up with a D (better than an F at least.) I am thinking about re-taking that quarter online as well, but my same question from before applies (in addition to any possibilities for wiggle room.)</p>

<p>Since UC uses sophomore and junior year grades only for their GPA formula, here are my grades (with the exception of sophomore year math, which wouldn’t count and you know about the 2nd quarter of Spanish 2.) </p>

<p>Sophomore year:
Biology (Q1: high B, Q2: A)
English 10 Honors (Q1: B, Q2: B)
Drama 1 (Q1: B, Q2: A)
Art 2 (high B both quarters)
Spanish 1 (Q1: high C, Q2: B)
Spanish 2 (Q1: C, you know the rest)</p>

<p>Junior year:
AP US History - A both semesters (plus a 5 on the AP exam)
English 11 - (Q1: A, Q2: A)
Chemistry (Q1: B, Q2: B)
Algebra 2 (Semester 1: high B, Semester 2: A)</p>

<p>Senior year in progress:
AP Literature - A
Pre-Calculus - B
AP Government/Politics (with Econ) - A</p>

<p>In my essay, I will mention that I cope with a developmental disability and progress I have made in that regard, plus I know that they like seeing a jump in grades from Grade 10 to 11 but I am not sure how much help it will be. I was a nervous wreck on my SAT, so I plan on re-taking it (my score was just above the low-end of UCSD and UC-Davis, the former of which is my preferred school.)</p>

2

<p>Maybe I didn’t put this in the right section, my bad. I know that it is a ramble but I am just curious if anyone has any expertise in overcoming mitigating circumstances to an otherwise good record and making a competent case to the admissions board.</p>

<p>I am really trying to go for UCSD, since I like its research focus (as a very analytical person) and also happen to be a San Diego resident. However, I also would like to apply to UCI, UC-Davis and perhaps UCSB to broaden things up a bit.</p>

<p>My grades are not perfect but I am very strong in regards to history, politics, economics and literature, ultimately hoping to be an econ major. I am a strong essay writer and have a lot of personal experience which I can foray into my writing to make things stick out a bit more. I am just frightened that the numbers game of admissions will prevent me from being able to fulfill my potential, especially with some of the obstacles I have had to overcome and it would be nice to see if there was anyone else with experience in these matters.</p>

3

<p>Your essays have to be very good and your developmental disability documented.
Overall though you’re not a strong contender for the UCs.
You should apply to some CSU’s but if you wish to try for the UCs later on your best bet is to find a community college with a TAP for the UC of your choice.
Holistic admission colleges would also take your extraneous circumstances into account more than the UCs can/do. In addition, if your strengths are in the humanities and social sciences, you may find good liberal arts colleges interested in your application.
How much can your family afford? Are you willing to move out of state through WUE? to private schools? To the Midwest? To Texas, or to the Deep South?</p>

4

<p>My disability is documented with an IEP. An admissions person from UCSD spoke at my school a couple weeks ago and when I spoke to the person directly, they just recommended getting the math and Spanish 2 taken care of, so I am hoping that they give me a chance. If I get rejected, I will appeal and I will try applying to some of the CSU’s. I know of schools with holistic admissions but they tend to be rather heavyweight schools (Berkeley and Columbia for example.) Nonetheless, I think I’ll give a couple of those a shot as well.</p>

<p>For out of state, I would prefer to wait until graduate school, unless I get some really big opportunities or have friends nearby. In terms of financial aid, I would probably qualify for grants since I would most likely be listed under my mom’s income (parents are separated) and I am hoping to apply for CSF (need to get my Pre-Calc grade to an A) and/or a Cal Grant. Nonetheless, I am conscious of finances and in-state tuition rates certainly take a good deal of potential burden off my family (along with the possibility of getting a Cal Grant.) </p>

<p>I will admit to being somewhat narrow in my focuses, but I am going to research some liberal arts colleges, I am just frightened by the various tales of loan debt.</p>