What does it take to get into UC Berkeley?

205mom
Fri, 09 Aug 2013 16:32:11 +0000

Myths about UC Berkeley admissions:
You must have near a 4.0 GPA un-weighted (Not true, but it helps)
You must have high test scores, 2250+ SAT or so (Not true, but contrary to official pronouncements from UCB that test scores are not as important as other factors, it definitely helps)
You should write amazing personal essays (helpful, but unlikely to trump all)
You should have outstanding EC, AP and such (depends, and not detrimental)
From my kids’ high school (CA public, strong feeder school) two who were admitted to Harvard and one to Cal Tech last year were not admitted to UCB. A bunch that didn’t get into any ivies did get into UCB and UCLA.
It’s a bit persnickety, the HOLISTIC admissions process.
It’s a great public university. DS has been happy there, and our instate pocketbook is also.

Try, even if your numbers are not perfect, and don’t count on acceptance even if they are. Our experience is anecdotal, but encompasses at least the last seven years.