Ap vs SAT

Hello. So currently my dream university as of now is to go to University of Irvine and I’m wondering how much they weigh their SAT Scores and AP Scores… see the things is I did terrible (as in a score of 2) in both of my history AP exams (WHAP & APUSH) but managed to pass both classes barely with a B+. So I was hoping to weigh that out with the new SAT score of 1200-1300. I don’t know my current GPA right now since our passwords had been resetted for our school and I don’t have access to grades right now, but last time I checked it’s a pretty average 3.6 GPA, which will probably get me no where.

I hit the low ground hard on the most two important crucial years of my life and I’m becoming a senior. I realize the reality of this, and I’m probably over thinking like I usually do but it seems to me its becoming true, I was thinking of doing a Cal State for a year or so and then transferring there. Is that a good plan? Community college is off limits according to my parents but I heard its easier to transfer from there to a university rather than a cal-state. Any study tips? I’ve done flash cards, study groups distract me a lot even when they are studying, I just need help containing the information I’ve learned. I’m open to constructive criticism. I know my chances are very low into getting into UCI.

I was in the IB program for 3 years and just dropped after junior year, because I felt like I wasn’t built for that life and more suited towards the all AP life. There was so much to do and I couldn’t find the time through my schedule to improve in what I was doing wrong and only turn in the same amount of effort put in the work, which mentally stressed me out. I’m really hoping that by dropping out I’d be a little more clear in the head. I’m still taking vigorous courses though, the work doesn’t concern me a bit since I’m used to that life. I’m just glad we don’t have to do the extra additional things going with it to “flex and expand our minds”. I will be taking a majority of AP sciences (AP Bio, enviro, physics 2) because I found those to be my strongest subject and I’m pretty sure I can focus more without worrying about anything else. I still have a balanced schedule the only thing taken out was a foreign language (spanish). But that being say I’m not sure if that will do anything though… it seems to me that I can only make it to normal colleges. Academic studies takes a heavy toll on my life and it stresses me to death just thinking about the future. I kind of regret taking the IB program, or not stopping in the sophmore year. I started off with a 4.0 GPA and it started going down the drain as soon as I hit sophmore year.

TL;DR

If you are talking about the SAT, not the SAT subject tests, the SAT is way more important than APs.

http://www.collegedata.com/cs/data/college/college_pg02_tmpl.jhtml?schoolId=730

This will show you what they look at and how much it weighs.

UC’s consider HS course rigor and grades in the AP classes more important than your AP scores. You are required to send SAT/ACT test scores, not your AP test scores (option to self-report or not) and subject test scores are only recommended for specific majors at UCI.
Here is what UCI states about Subject tests: :::::::::::::

Submission of SAT Subject Test scores is not required, but may add positively to the review of your application.

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Here is the application review criteria for the UC’s:

How applications are reviewed

As we consider each individual application - and rest assured, we do consider each one - we look beyond grades and test scores.

We spend time evaluating your academic achievements in light of the opportunities available to you and your demonstrated capacity to contribute to the intellectual life at UC. The 14 factors we weigh are:

Academic grade point average in all completed “a-g” courses, including additional points for completed UC-certified honors courses.

Scores on the following tests: ACT with Writing or the SAT Reasoning Test.

Number of, content of and performance in academic courses beyond the minimum “a-g” requirements.

Number of and performance in UC-approved honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate Higher Level and transferable college courses.

Identification by UC as being ranked in the top 9 percent of your high school class at the end of your junior year (Eligible in the Local Context, or ELC).

Quality of your senior-year program as measured by the type and number of academic courses in progress or planned.

Quality of your academic performance relative to the educational opportunities available in your high school.

Outstanding performance in one or more specific subject areas.

Outstanding work in one or more special projects in any academic field of study.

Recent, marked improvement in academic performance as demonstrated by academic GPA and the quality of coursework completed or in progress.

Special talents, achievements and awards in a particular field, such as visual and performing arts, communication or athletic endeavors; special skills, such as demonstrated written and oral proficiency in other languages; special interests, such as intensive study and exploration of other cultures; experiences that demonstrate unusual promise for leadership, such as significant community service or significant participation in student government; or other significant experiences or achievements that demonstrate the student’s promise for contributing to the intellectual vitality of a campus.

Completion of special projects undertaken in the context of your high school curriculum or in conjunction with special school events, projects or programs.

Academic accomplishments in light of your life experiences and special circumstances, including but not limited to: disabilities, low family income, first generation to attend college, need to work, disadvantaged social or educational environment, difficult personal and family situations or circumstances, refugee status or veteran status.

Location of your secondary school and residence.
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UC GPA calculator: https://rogerhub.com/gpa-calculator-uc/

Freshman admit rates for UC GPA of 3.40-3.79:

UCB: 2%
UCLA: 3%
UCSD: 6%
UCD: 15%
UCSB: 14%
UCI: 13%
UCSC: 59%
UCR: 78%
UCM: 92%

Freshman admit rates for UC GPA of 3.80-4.19:

UCB: 14%
UCLA: 14%
UCSD: 44%
UCSB: 54%
UCD: 58%
UCI: 65%
UCSC: 85%
UCR: 94%
UCM: 96%