3.954 UC-GPA...what are my chances?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hi everyone! This is actually my first post/thread on CC...woohoo! I'm currently a junior. My college counselor just informed me that my UC GPA is a 3.954 (without second semester junior year factored in). And, of course, I'm just beginning to freak out about the reality of applying for colleges.</p>

<p>Junior Year Schedule:
AP Bio
AP US
AP Language
High School Calculus
Honors Physics
Journalism 2</p>

<p>SAT (first time, w/o prep-class): 1830
I plan on taking a class (or self-studying if my family cannot afford it) over the summer. I hope to raise my score to 2000. </p>

<p>Extracurricular Activities: (All of which I plan on continuing during my senior year)</p>

<p>Red Cross High School Club (10, 11, 12) (I'm going to run for a position next year, most likely President)
Red Cross Youth Executive Board (11, 12) (Fundraising Officer this year; most likely President next year)-6 selected students who oversee the 10 high school clubs in the district
Make-A-Wish Club (10, 11, 12) (Co-Founder)- granted two wishes last year, plan on doing the same this year as well. We were also named one of the top Make-A-Wish clubs in SoCal.
Friendship Circle (10, 11, 12) (I was just offered the President position next year, yay!)
School Newspaper (10, 11, 12) (News Editor)-I'm applying for the Editor-in-Chief position for my senior year...I'd say my chances are pretty high!
Internship last summer with a UCLA Research grant</p>

<p>Volunteer Hours: 100+ Red Cross, 50+ Make-A-Wish, 50+ Friendship Circle, 150 UCLA Internship</p>

<p>I was just accepted to the UCLA Hospital Volunteer Program! A minimum of 100 hours is required in the next 6 months, but I'm dedicating myself to it 100% over summer and I definitely want to reach 300 or 400 hours!</p>

<p>I also applied to the Children's Hospital LA Junior Summer Volunteer Program, which also requires a minimum of 100 hours.</p>

<p>I know my GPA and SAT aren't that impressive...but the school's college counselor told me that the rigor of my schedule will also factor into getting into colleges.</p>

<p>Senior Year Schedule:</p>

<p>AP Physics
Honors Government
AP Literature
AP Calculus
Spanish 3
Journalism 3
Intro to Art (I need Visual and Performing Arts credits)
...Should I take Astronomy? It's an Independent Study class, but it shows up just as any other course on my transcripts. </p>

<p>My dream school is UCLA. However, I know that my GPA has blown my chances of getting in. :(
What about UCSB? I really love the campus and I heard they're a great school for Bio-majors. What are my chances for UCSB? Do I seem like a competitive applicant overall? I've read the most extensive lists of extracurriculars that other students have, and sometimes I feel like I'm not doing enough! I've managed to stick to three organizations, really dedicate myself to them (for three years), and have earned leadership positions in all of them! It's all so confusing...a part of me feels like patting myself on the back for all of my accomplishments, and another part of me feels like I'm just not good enough for the schools that I've always wanted to go to.</p>

2

<p>With an SAT of 1830, your chance at UCLA is slim but it will increase if you get your SAT above 2000. You have great extracurriculars, so not all is lost for UCLA. Try your best to finish junior year strong and get that test score up.
Your chance at UCSB is higher and if you get a SAT above 2000 then I would say you are competitive for that school.
You should take Astronomy if you’re interested in the subject. If you’re not, then don’t take it.</p>

3

<p>You have a better chance than the average student to get into UCLA. I currently go to UCLA and when I applied my SAT scores were awful. I only had a 1850 but I think my ECs and gpa covered for it. Also I had a pretty kick ass personal statement. I’m studying mechanical engineering and that’s hard enough as it is to get into that major for other schools as well. </p>

<p>What I’m saying is don’t sell yourself short. It’s not all about the test grades and gpa stuff. It’s the entire package.</p>

4

<p>UCLA: Reach (aim for 2100+ on the SAT/31+ on the ACT)
UCSB: Match</p>

5

<p>UCLA: Could be a reach. Your GPA isn’t so bad at all, but it would really help you to improve the SAT. I recommend buying one of the SAT prep books (20$) and doing all of the tests in it while timing yourself. That alone raised my SAT by over 200 points; I’m sure that you can do the same.
UCSB: Should be a match.</p>

6

<p>i think you’re definitely good for ucsb! not sure about ucla tho, might have a chance…
chance me?
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1467468-help-fellow-uc-applicant-out.html#post15551029[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1467468-help-fellow-uc-applicant-out.html#post15551029&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

7

<p>“My GPA is 3.954”
“I know that’s not good at all”</p>

8

<p>Thanks, everyone! If I manage to get 3 A’s this semester, I’ll raise my GPA to a 4.0. It’ll be tough, but I’m gonna fight for it! And, yeah, I know I have to work on that SAT score. I think I may end up purchasing the College Board books or something. @tomatox1 : what?</p>