UCLA appeals class of 2018

macayoni
Wed, 30 Apr 2014 15:16:35 +0000

My stats:
2140 (740 Math 740 Verbal 660 Writing)
700 Physics
710 Math II
3.9 UC GPA
significant hardships in one semester bringing me down. without that semester would have had a 4.1 UC GPA
300+ volunteer hours
Varsity sports
4 leadership positions in clubs
received merit award for PSAT
Took the hardest schedule offered by my school
took community college classes (6 of them throughout high school) in my interests
strong personal statement (looked over by 5 or 6 people, not sure how htis speaks to the strength however haha)

My appeal letter:

I learned on March 21 that I was denied freshman admission to UCLA for the Fall 2014 term. I ask the Freshman Appeals Committee, with all the respect I can possibly show, to reevaluate my application based on the new information available in this letter.
No one at my school - not even the black people - saw black pride as a positive movement. I was one of them. Being relatively intelligent from a young age, I was always told by my friends, “You’re too smart to be black,” “You speak too white,” and “You’re smart for a black dude.” As a first generation Ethiopian-American, I did not understand. They only made fun of other first generation students for speaking in an accent. Why were they targeting me for speaking like they did? The bullying got worse at an already difficult time in my life, as I discussed in my personal statements, and I felt completely isolated. Part of my growth as a person included coming to terms with my black identity and loving it. I was always bullied for being black and not fitting into stereotypes. I assumed black people would not want anything to do with me, because I was not anything like them.
One day, however, I realized I wanted to pave the way for other black students at my school. It angered me to no end that the stereotype was that black men were stupid and involved in gangs, and that as an African American male taking honors classes, I was seen as the exception. Black people comprised less than 2% of all students at my school, but I made sure I got to know all of them. After becoming close to my own people, I realized how wrong everyone was. Black freshman were talking to me about college, and the SAT, and how they had no idea how the process worked. I made it my mission to help as many black students as I could go to the college of their choice. I did not make an official black student union because the deadline for making a club at my school had already passed, but I still helped other black students out. I talked to each student about how they needed to grow and become leaders in something outside of school. I even tutored some for the SAT, and lent them test prep books so they could prepare on their own time. They showed initiative, they just needed information. They thanked me, and I thanked them more. I felt strongly integrated into a community I could relate to, even if I did not speak like they did. The black community at our school changed from a small and disconnected community, to a motivated and spirited brotherhood. I watched my friends grow into even more strong, and optimistic people with amazing futures ahead of them.
I was a leader hereafter. To put this into perspective for the rest of my application, I had just felt a strong fraternity with my cross country team for helping me with my issues, but I had not begun to speak up before this. After becoming a leader in this movement at my school, I had the confidence to pursue leadership in my other clubs, South ******* Safe Rides, and South ******* Outreach, and the confidence to achieve the best grades I had earned yet. This movement was monumental in my growth from the student that received poor grades my sophomore year second semester to the student that I am today. It developed my two personal leadership philosophies; “lead by example,” and “only look down on someone if you are helping them up.” With its instrumental impact on my growth, you may be wondering why I did not include such an important event in my original application. I never formed an official club, so I thought the movement was not official enough to include. I realize now how big of a mistake that was. Without it, you did not get an accurate picture of me. I made a huge error not to include something so instrumental in my development in becoming a leader.
I will bring this desire to help everyone I know improve themselves, as well as strong black pride and black identity, to UCLA if I am admitted. If you reverse the decision, I will not only be a solid scholar, but a force motivating others around me. By admitting me, you will improve your already accepted student body. I also know that I can keep up with the bright minds at UCLA, as I have a strong work ethic. UCLA has been my dream school since I saw the campus 7 years ago, and I learned the school’s nickname: “the school of optimists.” I know the history of black excellence at UCLA, including personal heroes like Arthur Ashe and Ralph Bunche. I still hold UCLA in the highest regard. I deeply respect the Office of Admissions and its decision to reject me for freshman admissions this fall, but I would respectfully ask that you reverse the decision to reject me on the new information I have provided you with. Thank you for your time, and Go Bruins!