What do I need to do to be really competitive for colleges like UCLA, UCB, and USC?

Chance Me / Match Me
1

Hey guys!! I’m currently a junior at a very competitive high school in California here are my stats

SAT : 1950
ACT : 28
GPA (weighted 10-present) : 3.92
GPA (non-weighted) : 4.81

-I’m currently ranked #4 in my school
-I’m currently taking 5 APs and 6 total weighted classes
-Varsity player on school tennis team that just won league (might be a good thing?)
-President of science club and President of a club on campus that encourages innovation and thinking
-Play the piano and saxophone at an academy of the performing arts
-Involved in medical research (I’ve had my name published in a few medical journals where I helped in the statistics part of it, but I was definitely part of 3 journals that were submitted internationally)
-I’ve worked in India for the past two summers with a humanitarian organization that helps educate people in rural areas with little access to education - I helped teach kids and the families in these villages (along with a large group of people) math and english
-President’s Award for volunteering

I am aware that I have to improve my SAT score, but how much would I have to improve it to be really competitive for colleges like UCLA and USC? Would I be “set” with getting into schools like UCSD and UCSB with my current stats and extracurriculars? I’m also planning on writing stellar personal statements and essays (going to start this summer) that are going to talk about my work in India, my community, and my overall achievements

Thank you!!

2

You would need to do a fair bit with your test scores. Time is a ticking. Are you a US citizen? Go and peruse the school threads for the stellar stats kids rejected, or waitlisted.

3

Take a look at this year’s decision threads to get an idea of what it takes to get into these schools. It’s not always about GPA and SAT, EC’s and your essays will definitely come into play. There is no guarantee even with high GPA, top scores, great essays and amazing essays. Apply broadly and have 1-2 safety schools you are willing to attend no matter happens with your admission decisions.

4

You do seem like you are on the track for a privileged school like UCLA or USC. However like you already mentioned, you should try your hardest to improve both your SAT and ACT scores.

Also you got your unweighted and weight GPAs labeled incorrectly.

5

I am! I have time 'till next December ish to submit my final SAT score for UCLA, right?

6

Just up your test scores. Everything else is amazing. Try to get a 2100 for USC and UCLA to make them matches, or a 2200 for Berkeley.