Would I make the “first gate cuts” for UCB and similar UC’s (UCSD in particular) just based on some stats?
UC GPA (C/W): 3.81
UC GPA (Uncapped for UCB): 4.26
SAT I: 1560/1600
SAT II: PHYS - 780, M2 - 770, BIOE - 750
I think I might be able to snag ELC based on my class rank but depends on how admission officer calculates ofc
Class Rank: 20/394
I also had a really good Junior year (4.833 GPA Weighted) and really rebounded from a bad Sophomore year maybe that will help :)?
12 AP’s by the time I leave HS and my Senior Year schedule will be all AP’s
You are a really strong applicant but your UC GPA is low for UCB and UCSD. You definitely apply and a compelling application may well get you into both. I’d encourage you to also apply to Davis, Santa Barbara and Irvine - perhaps a couple of privates )LMU, USD and Santa Clara would be on the top of my list. They may offer you merit aid which would make them cost-competitive with a UC.
Good luck
It really depends on major or school. For L&S you’re probably good; for the most competitive majors (like EECS) you would have some chance. It’s worth applying and sending in recommendations if you are asked, but be sure to have alternatives that you really like.
(sighs)… Don’t get discouraged by people telling you your GPA is too low to get into Berkeley. GPA is not the only factor that figures into admissions. I know plenty of people, first hand, that have gotten into Berkeley that are the world’s most stellar numerical applicants. Other aspects come into play. It is the totality of your application that makes or breaks an application. Write a strong personal statement and demonstrate those qualities that Berkeley admissions loves to see and that allays any concerns they may have about your ability to be a successful academic at Cal.