A Curious Case Of An Admission Process. Help You Guys!

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Los Angeles
1

<p>Good Afternoon everyone.</p>

<p>I'm a current applicant to UCLA.
My case is a strange one.</p>

<p>I graduated in 2008 with honors, class rank in top 10% (I believe 20 out of 400 students)
In a small high school in the San Bernardino mountains
Last year I was unable to go to college for money problems.
I received an invitation from a medical organization in BAJA MEXICO to join a group of Rural-medicine volunteers that go into the community to research and provide health care,
The program includes medical classes, tons of clinical activities and hands-on community service totaling over 500 hours of community service since August in 2008.</p>

<p>My High School stats are:
Top 10% in class, graduated with honors.
My high school had a total of 6 AP classes: my GPA is 3.8 weighted
SAT I 1590, SAT II 770 Spanish language, 610 Molecular Biology
AP Tests English Language: 3, English Literaure: 3 and Spanish Language:5 (Note, I DID NOT TAKE THE AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND AP ENGLISH LITERATURE CLASSES)
Mexican-Immigrant student since 2002.</p>

<p>Awards:
Rotary Award
American Legion Medical Award
Local Medical Award
AP Scholar Award
International Thespian Society Award
Music Awards</p>

<p>EC
4 years in marching band (Bass-clarinet section leader) and Pep Band
4 years in concert band and wind ensemble (bass-clarinet section leader)
3 Years in Orchestra
3 Years in Theatre and Drama
4 Years in Field Show (Bass-clarinet section leader)
1 Year in Jazz Band</p>

<p>Sports:
1 year In Swimming
1 year in Football</p>

<p>Community Service:
-Over 500 hours in Rural Medicine
-Over 200 hours of Hospital Volunteer
-Over 400 hours of Spanish Tutoring
-30 Hours in Canned Food Drives
-50 hours in Music Tutoring to Elementary Students</p>

<p>Work:
-Translator 8 hours a week
-Store Clerk 8 hours a week</p>

<p>I wrote 3 essays, asked for admissions by exception and received a supplemental questionnaire.</p>

<p>My essays were about:
1.) Personal Life Traveling In Mexico and the US. Aspiration in Hispanic cultures and Medicine with a great wish to unite American and Latino cultures.</p>

<p>2.) My medical program experience and how it's shaped my life.
3.) The value of perseverance and living as an immigrant in the US as well as being able to pass 2 AP tests without any preparatory work.</p>

<p>Supplemental included
-Talent: Medicine and Perseverance, I talked about my ability to adapt to any hardship and my plans to become a leader for Hispanics on Immigration issues.
-Life circumstance: I talked about my life as an immigrant in the US, how I've faced discrimination in school (as well as how it kept me from being involved in programs), my anxiety disorder problem with tests, and how I've surpass them. I finished by stating my intentions to go to College to be the first of my family to attend in the US and demonstrate that a Mexican Immigrant can attend.</p>

<p>My question to you guys is:
Based on this information do I have a shot to be admitted to UCLA?
I know academically my SAT has been a bit low but I know some people who have gotten into UCLA with lower scores.
Also I received a supplemental application for which I've emphasized my medical experiences.</p>

<p>What are my chances? I really want to go to UCLA!</p>

2

<p>It sounds like being admitted is only the first challenge you face. How are you going to handle the financial challenge this year?</p>

3

<p>Although I'll be considered an indipendent student next year (family's gone bankrupt basically)</p>

<p>I have 3,500 dollars in scholarships, In addition to the medical program I've been working and saving money (I have around 5,000 saved)
Also, I went to Rim of The World High Sschool in Lake Arrowhead, here is an alumni association, I've contacted them and if I do get admitted I receive a 16,000 year scholarship.</p>

4

<p>Come on guys!</p>

<p>I also applied for UCB, and they also requested additional stuff, although I got the medical condition supplement</p>

<p>My majors are "Spanish & Community & Culture" alternate: Latin American Studies</p>

5

<p>1590? verbal and math? or all 3 combined</p>

<p>i think u have a decent chance</p>

6

<p>My biggest weakness are my SAT scores, my SAT IIs are alright for my indicated major, and my ACT is better than my SAT overall. Also, my AP scores are adequate ( I didn't take AP English Lang, and AP English Lit) I took 4 AP Classes in high school (my high school is really small and doesn't have that many honors classes)</p>

<p>What I highlighted on my personal statement is my medical experience.
I'm only 18 and I know how to do basic medical maneuvers.</p>

7

<p>I have friends who have lower SAT I scores than you who got into UCLA; one example would be a 1300 SAT I with a 3.8 GPA . She wrote very personal statements which I have no doubt improved her chances of admission here. </p>

<p>The holistic admissions process at UCLA will help you, so make those essays good.</p>

8

<p>Jinobi, do u want me to send u the essays?</p>

<p>They are good, I feel very confident about them (all 3 Personal statements and the 2 additional questionnaire)</p>

<p>I worked in them for 2 months and had 3 editors help me out (a former UCB student included)</p>

<p>Thank u!</p>

9

<p>Your SAT I score is a bit low, but I think you're a well-rounded student w/ a good chance. However, you should be aware that funding is being cut 9% and fees for all UCs and CSUs are going to increase.</p>

10

<p>I'm totally ok with the increase of fees (seriously)</p>

<p>I can afford it with the scholarships</p>