CC Reapplying to UC Berkeley

So I am in my second year in CC, and just finished applying to the UC’s (Berkeley, LA, San Diego). Two years ago, when I was a high school senior it was my dream to study Mechanical Eng at Cal. I love engineering and I’m used to the campus because the school plays a huge role in my family: my parents met in there as students in the early 90’s, as my father was an international student from UK, my aunts went there, my grandfather (dad’s father) was an international student, from Glasgow, there in the late 60’s, my other grandparents live near the Bay Area, lots of my parents friends (family friends) went their, and currently their kids, along with my older sister go there. I was obviously rejected because my GPA in high school (4.2) and SAT score (2010) were pretty much low since the engineering school is extremely competitive. My rejection was embarrassing for me since my parents, who are now professors in the UK, and family had high hopes I’d get in. But I have worked harder now in CC to try again. I’ve taken Calc 1,2, Chemistry with a lab, Physics 1 with a lab, and 4 humanities GE’s, and have received an A grade in all of those except for Physics that I got a B- on. Currently I’m taking Calc 3, Physics 2 with a lab, and 2 GE’s and I’m pretty sure I’m gonna receive some sort of A grades in them. However, I’m worried that the my low Physics grade which brought my current GPA down to a 3.7, may ruin my chances, since that’s the GPA they will be looking at. Can anyone give me any last pointers or opinions as to what type of chance I may have?

Did you mention somewhere in a PS that you applied, got rejected, didn’t give up, as your whole family went and it’s a dream of yours?

@lindyk8 I did mention my last application in the PS, yes. Before I applied as a high school student, I would go to engineering camps and programs there and I’m really familiar with the area. I don’t mind the political environment really, (my parents, grandparents, and other family and friends are liberal/moderate leaning left, and I am more conservative), since my main focus is the engineering school and the resources there. Who knows, maybe I might consider it for graduate school since I want to extend my knowledge in ME.

Yes, there’s legacy in our family as well. Just wondering if you mentioned it, as it could be a selling point, if they feel so inclined. Who knows? Well, you can leave it for an appeal, if it comes to that. Good luck!