I don’t really think that everyone who got into Berkeley “showed grit” or was raised in “a difficult household”. The vast majority of admits at Berkeley are people from “normal” families. Unfortunately when there are a 1000s of normal kids, with equally stellar academics and similar extracurriculars/life experiences,applying to a small number of coveted seats in the highest demand majors (e.g. CS) there is inevitably going to be plenty of disappointed folks.
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I understand your frustration that however could be a perfect opportunity for you to demonstrate problem solving and decision making. Putting everything else aside, my understanding is that you are struggling with the tuition difference between CMU and Cal, which is ~$200K for 4 years. In a few months, you will be a CS student in either CMU or Cal both are top institutions in the world for computer science education. Graduates from these top institutions are often aiming high to solve hard and complex problems in the world. From what you have shared, you are one of the smartest students with strong determination. my question to you is - how to make $200K in 4 years if you attend CMU?
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I think you have to remember what someone else already pointed out. There are thousands of qualified students trying to get a limited number of spots. What our school - which is in an upper middle class suburb of a large CA city - saw was that UCLA trended toward students with perfect grades and copious extra college and AP classes. Berkeley trended toward high GPAs that may not have been perfect, and good rigor but not necessarily tons of extra college courses and an average for our school number of APs, but they were kids who could talk about their experiences well and related them to what they would contribute at Berkeley. If you look at Berkeley’s current messaging, it’s all about being a change maker. They want students who will contribute. And the only way they can see that is through PIQs and activities. That has been the case since I applied to Berkeley several decades ago. I got in to UCLA and not Berkeley. DS got in to Berkeley and not UCLA. Our top students by GPA, got in to UCLA and not Berkeley. It’s not just about “grit” or hardship, but about the parts of your personality you show in your activities and PIQs and how those fit with the university.
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That’s my son’s situation!
He’s a pretty mainstream student who got into a couple UCs. He didn’t apply many places because he always saw community college as a good solid option.
Santa Cruz is a great fit for him. But he was so flattered to be waitlisted at Cal that he’s decided to move up, find roommates, and go to Berkeley City College in HOPE of being able to transfer.
Despite not having any budget constraints, to my delight he’s heading up early to find a job. But I’m even more thrilled to see him shrug and say that if he doesn’t get in to Cal from there, he’ll probably still be able to graduate from UCSC.
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Probably because it’s a waitlist. It’s their backup and in their best case scenario, they don’t need to use it.
It’s not a “we’ll give you an update every week” list. It’s a long shot that you’re lucky to be on.
That’s why they tell you to make other plans.
Perfectly put. Hoping for good seeds here too. 
I refered to those two UCI CS graduates I hired years ago, not my own seeds 
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“The acceptance rate for the computer science (CS) major at the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) for the fall of 2024 was 1.9%. This is based on 10,725 applications and 213 offers of admission. “
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@Asfd1 I don’t think you’re “entitled”, I think you’re more mature and responsible than my nephew (he’s also 17). I fully understand your fraustration and complaints. The reality is that all UCs may have met their enrollment numbers, the chance is like winning lottery.
You need to prepare for the worst, where you can take out $90K student loan? With the interest rate 7%, the loan amount could be doubled within 5 years. UC to UC transfer is possible if you don’t want to study at CC for two years.
We all wish a miracle for you, get off the waitlist!
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Just curious, have you visited CMU?
Did you have a chance to visit UCB and really talk with students?
Cal day was less than impressive (for us) when we were there.
S24 was set on UCB for EECS until we took a trip to see CMU.
On whatever forum kids go on now, he met more than a few people who give up UCB for CMU for pretty much the same reasons.
Now had you gotten into UCB, you would have had the opportunity to decide. But stepping back a little, would you have picked UCB over CMU?
I know money is a big issue in this decision, but I bet there are kids starting UCB who are wishing to get off CMU WL which accordingly to CMU WL thread isn’t going to happen.
Are you in-state for UCB? If so, did you see such a difference to justify the cost differences. And generally curious to hear what you thought was less impressive at Cal Day, particularly as it relates to the EECS program.
We are in state.
I’ll PM you our impression as to not distract from WL thread.
Edit: nevermind. Can’t PM member with hidden profile…
I just PMed you.
I have not traveled to Pittsburgh, saving every penny for now 
I’ve heard the same thing from some people who have visited both places though.
My only consideration is cost though, so yes I will opt for Cal if taken off the wait-list. However, given what I have heard so far I’ll be better off buying the lottery ticket as soon as I turn 18 lol.
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I am talking about a letter sent to private school counselors over those waiting. No where did I mention needing weekly updates. The condescending tone in your response is not helpful nor supportive in this type of forum. I attended a UC. My son is attending a UC. No need to talk down.
Best of luck! My D24 also is on the WL for UCB, and we’re crossing our fingers.
You’re still on the WL for UCB and UCLA, so don’t throw in the towel just yet.
Out of your list of acceptances, why not also consider UC Davis? It’s a great school, and cost will be comparable to UCB. A colleague of mine has a son who just graduated CS from UC Davis and liked it a lot.
Private schools are just getting too darn expensive nowadays. And in many cases, is it really worth that added expense when a UC can provide an amazing education as well?
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Did your coworker’s son find a job yet? The undergraduate students at the top 5 CS institutions (including UIUC) get internship jobs before they graduate easily.
Not sure about CS at UCD, but I have hired couple UCI CS graduates, not impressed… You may find employment rate for particular major at particular school online, it speaks itself!
I think everyone on this thread already knows that you have hired a couple of UCI CS graduates and you were not impressed…but as it wasn’t constructive before it still continues to not be constructive. Sorry to hear that you were not impressed though.
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Sorry to hear that you were not impressed. And sorry you were not able to recruit from CMU, or your local high school, exclusively.