<p>Hi:
I'm Cuban and 20 years old. I arrived to United States on July 25th, 2014.
I were studying first year of Chemical Engineering in Cuba, but I left, since I wanted to study in a better place, and I think that University of California is one of the best options.
As you can see I've been here since 3 months ago moreless, and my weakest point in the TOEFL test that I have to take is the Speaking.
The thing is that I want to know my chances to be admitted in case that I don't reach the 80 points in the TOEFL iBT, but at least 70 or 75.
My unweighted GPA is 4.0 and I was the Valedictorian of my class.
I'm thinking about applying by admission by exception, since I came alone to United States, among other stories.
Let me know as soon as possible, since the deadline is on November 30th.
Than you.</p>
<p>Are you in high school? If not why did you mention valedictorian ?</p>
<p>I finished high school and I brought my marks and diploma, and made the transcription here. I said valedictorian because I received the equivalent in Cuba.</p>
<p>Which UC’s? And what about SAT/ACT scores?</p>
<p>I want to apply to Berkeley, Santa barbara, San Diego and Los Angeles.
As I was filling the application I read that they asked SAT and ACT before finishing High School, which it’s not my case, since I didn’t take those tests, because there’s no way of doing that in Cuba.</p>
<p>According to the UC website, as an International applicant, you need to take the ACT/SAT if you are applying as a Freshman regardless if you are graduated or not. It is a requirement.
<a href=“http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/international/applying-for-admission/index.html”>http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/international/applying-for-admission/index.html</a>
If you a transfer student, then you need 60 units to transfer as a Junior.
I suggest you look at all the requirements on the link I have attached.</p>
<p>Also as an Independent, International Student, do you have $55K/year available to pay to attend these schools? You will not recieve any Financial aid as an International student.</p>
<p>You still need to take the test I’m sure, the latest acceptable test date is Dec. </p>
<p>Additionally, your official transcripts and records must come sealed and stamped directly from your school. </p>
<p>For UC, you don’t need before you decide to accept the acceptance.</p>
<p>I meant you don’t need transcript.</p>
<p>Well, I’ll be applying as a Florida resident, not as an international student Gumbymon.
Thanks for all the comments :-), but I’m really looking for responses related with the admission by exception and the chances I have this way.</p>
<p>@prendesco: Regardless if you try to get admission by exception, if you applying as an OOS student from Florida, you still need to take the ACT/SAT. Also, as an OOS student, you will not get any financial aid if needed. From my understanding, admission by exception is very difficult, so you should talk to the admission office at each UC to see if there is any possibility it can be accomplished. </p>
<p>Actually, I need financial aid. Why am I not eligible for it?</p>
<p>UCs don’t have good financial aid for OOS. Best to stick to Florida.</p>
<p>UC’s are funded by California taxpayers, so California students are given financial aid. The same goes for Florida schools. If an applicant from California wants to attend school in Florida, they have to pay extra Out of State tuition and would not be eligible for financial aid given to in-state Florida students. If you are in need of financial aid, your in-state school would be your best option. If you are set on attending school in California, you need high Stats and would have to look at private schools not publics.</p>
<p>Thank you all of you guys. It’s just that educational systems are very different, and there are lot of things I don’t know.
Despite my marks and achievements, I knwo I’m not a genius, but I really want to study in the best possible place, and I really appreciate all your advices. I also hope more of them.
Help me please, I left all behind except myself, just looking for good education.</p>
<p>I’m Cuba, and Cuban people receives residency after 1 year, taking advantage of Cuban Adjustment Law.</p>
<p>Until you get residency, you are considered an International applicant unless you wait and apply next year when you have residency. Regardless you will not receive any financial aid from California public universities so you need to look at other options. </p>
<p>For example, if I apply today to some university in Florida (today I’m not a resident yet), but by the time I start studying, I’m a resident, do I have to pay as out of state?</p>
<p>I do not know the residency laws in Florida so you need to check their requirements. I only know about California laws since I am a resident in California. </p>