I’m a sophomore going into my junior and I failed an essay and I got a D in English now. Is it still possible for me to get into a UC school because I really want to go to one the rest of my grades are 2 A’s and 3 B’s. If it is not possible what are school that are really good that I can go to. And I passed the first semester with a C.
For the UC’s, you need passing grades for 4 years (C or higher) for English to be eligible to apply so you need to retake the semester with the D or you cannot apply. No grade validation for English and this is a hard requirement.
Cal States also have this requirement so other college options will depend upon what kind of GPA, test scores, EC’s etc… you have after Junior year.
Retaking the class is your best chance for applying to other schools including some UC’s and the Cal states unless community college is an acceptable option.
So what things should I do junior year that would bring the probability higher to go to a UC school. (Classes, extra curricular activities, Etc.)
1)Retake the 2nd semester 10th grade English class either during the summer or Junior year prior to the applications.
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Exceed the a-g UC course requirements and increase your HS course rigor with AP/IB or DE courses but also make sure you get good grades in these courses.
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Continue with the EC’s that you enjoy showing consistency and leadership. Also involvement in your community is helpful.
UC’s are going test optional for the next 2 admission cycles, so GPA will have a greater impact than ever.
Below are the 14 areas of criteria the UC’s currently use in their application review. Test scores can help your chances until they are no longer used for Fall 2023 applicants.
1. Academic grade point average in all completed A-G courses, including additional points for completed UC-certified honors courses.
2. Scores on the following tests: ACT with Writing or the SAT with Essay.
3. Number of, content of and performance in academic courses beyond the minimum A-G requirements.
4. Number of and performance in UC-approved honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate Higher Level and transferable college courses.
5. 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).
6. Quality of your senior-year program as measured by the type and number of academic courses in progress or planned.
7. Quality of your academic performance relative to the educational opportunities available in your high school.
8. Outstanding performance in one or more specific subject areas.
9. Outstanding work in one or more special projects in any academic field of study.
10. Recent, marked improvement in academic performance as demonstrated by academic GPA and the quality of coursework completed or in progress.
11. 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.
12. Completion of special projects undertaken in the context of your high school curriculum or in conjunction with special school events, projects or programs.
13. 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.
14. Location of your secondary school and residence.
Finally, enjoy your time in high school and being a teenager. There is a college out there for every student so make sure you research all your options and do not get fixated on any particular school.
Where you go for Undergrad will not define you, it was what you do with the opportunities you are given that will make you successful.
Not trying to be a downer here but, a 3.5ish GPA is going to make all of the UC a stretch. Most of the Cal States would be happy to have you though… Chico, Sonoma, maybe Fullerton and Northridge too.
I copied this from a @Gumbymom post in another thread
Here is GPA data for the UC’s (capped weighted after Junior year).
2019 UC capped weighted GPA averages along with 25th-75th percentile range:
UCB: 4.23 (4.15-4.30)
UCLA: 4.25 (4.18-4.32)
UCSD: 4.16 (4.03-4.28)
UCSB: 4.16 (4.04-4.28)
UCI: 4.13 (4.00-4.25)
UCD: 4.13 (4.00-4.26)
UCSC: 3.96 (3.76-4.16)
UCR: 3.90 (3.69-4.11)
UCM: 3.73 (3.45-4.00)