<p>I remember reading a lengthy post from someone who got into UCLA from an appeal. </p>
<p><a href=“I got into ucla on appeal - 2013 - UC Transfers - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/uc-transfers/1511029-i-got-into-ucla-on-appeal-2013.html</a></p>
<p>The poster’s username is @orange283</p>
<p>Here’s the post for your convenience</p>
<hr>
<p>Thanks everyone!!</p>
<p>@socal916 I submitted my appeal on Friday, May 10th. I got the news Thursday morning (May 30th).
I basically wrote about how much I wanted to go there! And I made sure I did not repeat anything I already wrote in my original essay.
I wrote about specific things that the school has that others don’t that would excel me in my major and career (I had to do some research for this). I also mentioned how I would improve UCLA. Also, I looked online for what UCLA looks for in students and I found this article saying they like students with leadership, commitment, and improvement. So I talked about the leadership roles I took on between when I submitted my original application until now (leadership position at work; started a club at my cc). For improvement, I tried to add some humor and said I have improved my Bruin fan collection and my values (i.e. services to the community, being around my family more, etc.). I also tried a little persuasive technique by incorporating my economics knowledge… I said this: “How much improvement can one student bring, you may ask? Well, what if that one student is Steve Jobs reincarnated? The admittance of said student increases your schools chances of birthing the next Apple-mania prodigy. Although the chances are small, any chance above zero, even if it may be 0.00001%, is greater than nothing. As an Economics student, I know that people with a secondary education contribute more to the quality of life and to society as a whole. Therefore, by increasing your school population by one exceptional student, you are thus increasing the quality of life for all.”
Lastly, for commitment, I talked about how I volunteer every year (for the past 8 years) in this rotary bbq, and that I was the head volunteer coordinator last year. I also said I plan to continue volunteering there even when I live in LA.
But, I think the most important part of my essay was how I wrote it. I made it seem like I was accepting UCLA and not the other way around. For instance, in the beginning I started out by saying “I am pleased to inform you that you have been accepted as my university of choice! This year, a large pool of applicants were qualified but nonpareil. Congratulations on surpassing all competing schools.” I wanted to make it a little humorous and I wanted to show them that I am confident and hopeful on getting in and not cocky! So, I told them that I required some prerequisites of the school lol. I think the strongest part of my essay was the last part. I told them I needed them to commit to me and I said I wanted to go there to compete with the best.
UCLA is highly competitive; they want their students to compete with each other. I think the “compete with the best” part really got them to see that I am meant to be a Bruin!
Then at the end I said “I look forward to seeing you on campus this fall.” LOL.
But it worked!</p>
<p>@jsbojy I did not know why I was rejected. I never called in and asked. But, I assume I did not have high enough stats. My gpa was 3.8 and for biz econ majors, the average for enrolled students was a 3.92!</p>
<p>@formomilan I know UCLA doesn’t accept letters of rec. Does ucd accept them?? And did you tag with ucd?? There are plenty of other great schools out there!!! What other places did you get accepted to? I actually live in Davis. Let me tell you, Davis is not all that great. It’s an amazing school, but I am POSITIVE you will find another school you love more!!! Good luck with your future and don’t be too sad. Everything happens for a reason; maybe you are meant to go other places :). At first, when I didn’t get into UCLA (my dream school), I kinda accepted it and started getting ready to go to UCSD. But, as lame as this sounds, in my heart, I knew I belonged at UCLA. One night, I decided to appeal, and I wrote my whole letter and researched all night. I really wanted it. But, I also kinda thought I wouldn’t get in, because the appeal rate is so low, so I told myself that whatever happens, happens and that’s the way it will be. I hope you find another great school because I am sure you will love it there too (maybe even more than Davis).</p>
<p>@randylee94 I did not know why I wasn’t accepted, but I just assumed it was because of my grades. UCLA is so competitive. I knew it was because I just wasn’t good enough. Good luck with your appeal!!! Keeping my fingers crossed for you! </p>