Berkeley, LA, and SD?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

I am an in-state applicant and was wondering what my chances are for the UC’s except for Riverside and Merced.

3.43 UW, 3.73 W, 3.93 UC GPA
I am taking the New SAT in October and am looking at a score ranging from 1500 - 1550 (2110 - 2250). I have a great upward trend, and have a demanding senior year course load.

EC’s:

  • Freshman Basketball and JV Basketball (2 years total)
  • Junior Varsity Tennis and Varsity Tennis (3 years total, this year captain of varsity)
  • Have been playing violin for 7 years and been in High School Orchestra (All 4 years)
  • Computer Science Club (2 years, this year officer)
  • Working at a math tutoring center (2 years and counting)
  • Programming Intern at California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences at UC Berkeley over the summer
  • ATDP Summer Course “Introduction to Python” in the summer of 2015, and volunteered as a TA this summer for an Algebra I class

Essays:

  • I personally think they are very strong and helps set me apart
  • How I have overcome my speech deficiencies due to playing the violin, and have “broke my shell” and improved my communication and interaction skills
  • How math is my favorite subject and has influenced my career path
  • How I had a C in my first semester of AP Computer Science and ultimately overcame that challenge and developed a passion for the subject, in large part due to the internship
  • How having a multilingual/cultural background has influenced my life in a multitude of ways

Thank You!

2

Once you have your test scores, please post. Without test scores it is difficult to give you an idea of your chances. Assuming you are applying for CS?

UC GPA is below the averages for all the UC’s except UCSC/UCR and UCM but within range. If you are applying for CS, having competitive tests scores is important, but the UC’s but a huge emphasis on GPA’s. You have good EC’s and you need equally good essays.

Based just on what you have posted:
UCSC: Match
UCI: High Match
UCSB/UCD: High Match-Low Reach
UCSD: Low Reach
UCLA/UCB: Reach

Just due to the popularity and competitiveness of CS in all the UC’s, I would add UCR and some Cal States to your list for good solid Match/Safeties.

Good Luck and update when you have some test scores.

3

UCB, UCLA, UCSD CSE should be treated as reaches for you.

UCSD may admit CSE applicants undeclared. But getting into the CSE major after enrolling needed a 4.0 or 3.9 in college in recent quarters.