<p>I’ve heard it both ways: some people think that Cal looks more at GPA/test scores, and some think it takes extracurriculars and essays into consideration. I do know that they usually look for unique applicants, so if you have interesting essays and ECs <em>AS WELL AS</em> their standard grades (3.89)/test scores (30 on ACT, 2040 on SAT, etc.), you have a pretty good chance of acceptance! Plus, a lot of the time people get rejected at UCLA but accepted to UCB, so you never really know.</p>