aiming for UCLA and other UCs!!

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Hi there!

I have As and Bs across the board, and I’m currently a junior in CA. I’m a bit worried for next year, so I was wondering if any of you guys could chance me?

I go to a low-income, public charter school.

GPA
3.66 unweighted
4.12 weighted
3.88 UC GPA

Classes
Honors English 1,2,3,4 - 10th
Honors Geometry - 10th
Honors Algebra 2 - 10th
Honors Biology - 10th
Honors Precalculus - 11th
Honors Chemistry - 11th
AP US History - 11th
AP English Lang - 11th
-I took the AP Chinese test even though I only took up to Mandarin 2, and got a 5.
-I’m planning to take 4 more APs next year (Human Geo, English Lit, Calc AB, US Gov)

Tests
-Here’s my best ACT score so far, going to take SAT in June and debating whether I should take another ACT.
Composite: 31
English: 31
Math: 31
Reading: 32
Science: 28
Writing not available yet
-Might take SAT II US Hist, Math 2, and Literature in the beginning of senior year.

ECs
-Secretary, Fundraising Coordinator for Junior State of America (member since 10th grade, obtained these roles in 11th, aiming for President and more in senior year)
-Galaxy Explorer at Chabot Space and Science Center (since 11th)
-Interact Club (aiming for leadership role in senior year)
-College Track
-200+ hours volunteer

Majors
Undeclared
Communications
Media Studies
-Honestly not sure yet, might go in as undeclared but I don’t know if that’ll worsen my chances. I know I don’t want to do anything too particularly science-y though.

Schools
-UCLA
-UC Berkeley
-UC Santa Barbara
-UC Davis
-UC San Diego
-UC Irvine
-USC
-Pomona College

Ethnicity: Asian
Gender: F
Other: First gen, low-income neighborhood

2

You should aim at the mid-tiered UCs. Top UCs (and USC) will be quite reaches!
Pomona is probably out of reach.

3

Agree with ^^ @uclaparent9. Top UC’s, USC and Pomona are possible but still reaches. UC’s especially are very GPA focused and the average UC GPA for all the UC’s on your list is above a 4.0. Definitely worth applying, just be realistic about your chances.

4

@Gumbymom @uclaparent9 I agree, my GPA is a weak point. Since I’m still in my second semester as a junior, I’m attempting to get all As this time as a recovery to all the Bs? Hopefully that will help. I’m also trying to get an Intern position at College Track. Is there anything else you think I could improve on? And also, will colleges hopefully overlook my Bs since I take classes on the harder side? Thank you!!

5

I don’t think UCLA or UC Berkeley will be lenient with your GPA, as they have (no offense) applicants taking similar courses with a 4.0 GPA. I think you should shoot for UC Santa Barbara or UC San Diego. They’re both really great schools and I think you would fit there academically. I do think that you being a first generation college student from a not great neighborhood can help you for the better schools. If you can keep A’s and bring your GPA to a 3.75 or 3.8, you have a better shot.

6

Yeah :frowning: SB and SD are nice but I really like LA. MY second semester still isn’t over yet, so hopefully I can ace finals and bring everything up enough!! Thank you anyways :slight_smile: