Berkeley Appeal: Help/Suggestions?

<p>I was rejected from Berkeley and have decided to file an appeal which is an initiative I'd never see myself take b/c I'm very passive and submissive, but I'm not letting any opportunities to pass me by anymore. Cal was a reach for me in terms of test scores (SAT 1900s, SAT2 600s) and extracurriculars, but after days of research I see that they look for students who are well-rounded and passionate. I was supplemented because of my hardships (single household, low income, first generation, and have multiple jobs). I poured my heart and soul into those 13 questions, but I guess I overdid it and came off a little... unappealing. My senior grades aren't that fab either (3 A's, 3 B's, 3 of them AP, 4.0W).</p>

<p>I do have new and compelling information which has to deal with a minor medical condition (bacterial infections that created painful nymph lodes on my neck/scalp, got me THINKING I had lymphoma or some type of cancer) that further plummeted my grades freshman year (I had a 2.5-3.0 in 9th grade, but I had 4.0+ in 11th/12th grades) but the problem actually helped me pull my act together since I thought I was on the verge of death. I was a school rebel and somehow transformed into an ambitious student after that. I want them to recognize how hard it was in my circumstances to finally take control of my life and become the student that a school would respect and want (well, Berkeley didn't...)</p>

<p>I know my chances are slim to nothing, but hey... there has to be ONE that will get in and I will do whatever I can to be that one.</p>

<p>I appreciate any help provided. Thank you so much in advance!</p>

<p>P.S. Do I have to have proof of the medical condition? I visited my doctor on a regular basis for several months and was just provided antibiotics that didn't help because they came back and I still have them today, but it doesn't emotionally affect me as much anymore. I don't think I was formally diagnosed.</p>

<p>Sorry for the incredibly long post, and thanks!</p>

<p>Read your app over carefully and identify any possible reasons why they rejected you. Address those, and try to come up with NEW info while you’re at it. Get killer letters of rec that are personalized towards your Berkeley appeal, and they should present new info not within your letter of appeal(Work with your professors on this)</p>