I’m asking about Berkeley because of my lower GPA freshman year (which UCB doesn’t look at). My maternal uncle had been diagnosed which Stage 4 Melanoma (skin cancer) and my mom was overseas for six months staying with him. As a freshman in high school my attention was divided over schoolwork, taking care of three younger siblings, and my uncle’s health condition (hence my grades).
US student, Female, Upper Class (500K+, no scholarships/financial aid needed)
Business/Economics/Finance Major
10 AP Classes
4s and 5s on AP Exams (more 5s than 4s)
3.3 unweighted GPA (with a VERY strong upwards trend and a valid reason for lower grades my freshman year)
3.75 UC GPA (unweighted) 4.23 UC GPA (weighted)
35 ACT score
Started an education fund which raised $1,500+ through donations and fundraisers to support a network of schools for underprivileged girls in Pakistan.
Participated in DECA and competed at state level.
Conducted economic research overseas at the Punjab Institute of Economics.
Varsity Track and Field. (only 1 year so might list it, might not)
Any thoughts? Any other selective school recommendations that I’d have a fighting chance at?
Berkeley has many applicant students who have been adversely impacted by family issues. They want to see students, who, in spite of these adverse home conditions, were still able to maintain their academic achievement.
Not to minimize your issues but Berkeley simply has too many applicants to indicate that your reason was more “valid” than others who are homeless or foster kids cancer survivors, etc. who still performed well in school despite their home situations. All you can do is apply.
Athletes and local high school kids are in that 1% category.
There are hundreds of other schools that would accept you anywhere. Start your search since it seems that you can afford a number of places.
For fall 2018, 1% of applicants with UC weighted-capped GPA 3.40-3.79 were admitted to UCB, and 10% of applicants with UC-weighted-capped GPA 3.80-4.19 were admitted to UCB.