<p>Sorry, yes, Stanford should be listed as a super-reach, because it is insane for all transfers!</p>
<p>I know someone who got into McKenna with a 3.3, though she was also very active in college ECs.</p>
<p>I’m glad you knew about the units-cap for transfers from 4years+CCC to UCs. It is very much not commonly known and I mention it whenever I can as my own personal public-service schtick. :)</p>
<p>I think an essay about your passion and experience in politics is a very good hook - though needs to be more than just a news bulletin of your flashiest moments. Be sure to blend it with a larger theme - that probably sounds a bit vague but hopefully you understand what I’m getting at. It is the process of engaging some random Adcoms into believing in <em>you</em> and wanting to further invest in you as a person by admitting you into their campus community.</p>