Hi, I’m a junior in High School. I screwed up my GPA in both freshman and sophomore years, but I got to be a Biology Olympiad semifinalist. Now im just trying to pick my gpa up.
weighted:4.27
unweighted:3.7
SAT: 2350
ACT: Haven’t taking it yet, but i got pretty high on a practice one. I was wondering if it would help having both a high act and sat score (i’m already satisfied with my SAT score).
Volunteered at hospital every summer since freshmen year
Participated in international kickboxing tournament with over 20 countries in Turkey, and silver medal in Pan American Kickboxing (hence the screwed up gpa)
Biology Olympiad Semifinalist
I have taken many AP classes( 8 after junior year).
Also please tell me anything that would help me improve my resume. ANYTHING. I am not afraid of working hard, and am currently studying for the Chemistry Olympiad.
Just to clarify, by screw up I mean in sophmore years I got a lot of b’s and c’s. Will the UCLA admission people just look at my transcript and throw away my whole admission because how crappy it is? Will they even bother looking at it?
Your test score is amazing, your GPA not so much. However, you are a clear fit for UCLA and more than qualified for admission.
Most UC’s, including UCLA, do not consider frosh year grades so your GPA will be higher. Just keep it as high as you can but you’re looking at great chances.
It baffles me as to why candidates with great stats are so fearful. 1)Your GPA is fine . 2) Your SAT is terrific, so why even consider the ACT? 3) Your EC’s appear to be extraordinary. Stop listening to the fear mongers. Go forth with courage and confidence. Apply away and good luck.
I think your chances are pretty good, but you asked for ways to improve, so…your ECs could use some leadership positions. Don’t join new ECs, just become a leader in current ones. Perhaps come up with a new program for teen volunteers at the hospital or become lead teen volunteer trainer. Also, your ECs are very individually focused and I’d like to see more of your humanitarian side. Love the kickboxing experience- find a way to explain that in a more devoted way. It sounds like one tournament, but I’m sure you worked very hard for years to get there. Show us your dedication.
A lot of your application success will depend on how you describe your ECs and accomplishments. Don’t be shy- practice listing these with true passion in other chance me threads and see what a difference it will make.
Yes, do continue to get your UW GPA up. Why not try the ACT since you seem to test well? Don’t auto-send, send only it if complements your amazing SAT.
So, basically I need to improve on my leadership skills, and connect my athletic career to my dedication.
Also, i assume from what you typed that a good ACT score will help my chances of getting into UCLA? I took a mandatory practice test before and got like a 32, if I studied more i believe I could do better. Will a high ACT score boost my chances?
It’s less of improving your leadership skills than it is taking or creating leadership roles in your already existing ECs. What I’m seeing now is someone who is a joiner, but doesn’t stand out from the others who do the same thing. How could you do that? Is there a President of the volunteer group? Is there an event at the hospital you can chair, like a neonatal reunion? Can you create a fundraiser or blood drive on your own?
I’m not saying you could do better with the ACT than the SAT. Your SAT is awesome. But since you test well, I’m thinking you could take the ACT and see what happens. If it turns out poorly, you just don’t report it. That being said, to do better than your SAT, you’d need a 36- a very lofty goal. If you don’t think you can beat it, you have no reason to. Your SAT is already outstanding.
With your stats, I really think it all comes down to your application and essays. It’s how you spin yourself and your ECs. Show us that incredible dedication that got you to PanAm. You can easily shine with a tiny bit of polish.