chance at UCs with high SAT but lower GPA

Applying to College
1

Overall GPA uw: 3.71
Old SAT: 1490 (790 V, 700 M)
New SAT: 2280 (800 CR, 790 M, 690 W)
(retaking this oct, hopefully for a 2400)
SAT IIs: 790 Writing, 750 US History, 720 Math2C (retook in June), took Literature in June(awaiting score)

I got straight A’s freshman year, but messed up sophomore year:
AP Biology: C+/B-
Algebra 2 Honors: C/C
Spanish 3: A/A
Dev. of Civ A (Honors): A
English Honors: A/A
Orchestra: A/A
(4 on Biology AP exam)

Junior Year: (2nd semester expected)
AP English: B+/A
AP Spanish: B/B
AP US History: A/A
Physics: B/A
Orchestra: A/A
Math Analysis: A/A
(expected: 5s on AP Eng & AP US, probably 3 on AP Spanish)

Senior Year classes:
AP Sr. English
AP Comparative Government
AP Calc AB
Psychology
Creative Writing
Orchestra
Criminal Law

ECs: Orchestra since 6th grade, violin for 6 years, art class(painting, etc) for about 9 years, Spanish Club 4 years (Publicity Commissioner jr. + sr. years), volunteering at library occasionally, CSF, Diversity Club

I really messed up my sophomore year grades and don’t really have much ECs. I’ve been improving, but I don’t think its enough.

What are my chances at the UCs, especially Berkeley and LA?
My school is pretty tough, and they do accept a lot of people- I think about 60% of our applicants got into Berkeley this year, and I heard we send the most people to UCLA, but I’m really worried. Tell me what you think?

2

<p>I know there is a method at some UCs whereby your tests alone can make you elegible. PM Carolyn, I've seen her write about it.</p>

<p>Without that, I think your chances at Cal and LA are not great, 50/50 at SD and the others should be safe. UCs don't seem to care how tough an individual school is. At our local high school, you need a 4.2 to be in the top 10%!</p>

3

<p>zagat, test alone? >.> </p>

<p>I thought i posted that before but people said it would only allow you to apply but once in the pool, they will still reject you..</p>

4

<p>dancingxelmo:</p>

<p>UCLA/UCB: Slight Reach
UCSD: Match
UCD/UCSB/UCI: Safe Match
UCSC/UCR/UCM: Safety</p>

5

<p>That could be Vehement, I really don't know but it's worth looking into with his scores.</p>

6

<p>Below are the combinations of GPA and test score totals that meet UC's minimum requirements.
CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS
"A–G" GPA
Minimum Test Score Total
<2.80 ineligible<br>
2.80 – 2.84 2860
2.85 – 2.89 2698
2.90 – 2.94 2548
2.95 – 2.99 2440
3.00 – 3.04 2338
3.05 – 3.09 2260
3.10 – 3.14 2188
3.15 – 3.19 2122
3.20 – 3.24 2050
3.25 – 3.29 1990
3.30 – 3.34 1942
3.35 – 3.39 1912
3.40 – 3.44 1882
3.45 & above 1858</p>

<p>What eligibility is
Eligibility? refers to the basic academic requirements needed for admission to the UC system.</p>

7

<p>your UC gpa should be high enough to be in the running for the big two flagships. But, gotta make your essays strong, bcos those will be critical for Berkeley and UCLA. </p>

<p>SD depends on points, so if you can obtain a leadership position in one of your clubs next year, that would be a big boost. High likelihood of acceptance at at SB, I, and D.</p>

8

<p>"zagat, test alone? >.> "</p>

<p>He is talking about ELC- either be the top 4% of your class or meet a certain SAT score total. </p>

<p>From the looks of it, you have a decent shot at Berkeley and LA. Just write an excellent personal statement (got a friend that took only calcx2 ap classes and got in b/c of his personal statement, his sat's were average and he doesn't do much ec at all)</p>

9

<p>ELC doesn't get you into Cal/LA. It has only a slightly higher admit rate...ELC does guarantee admission to UCR though, and probably Merced. Lol, but I'm thinking those aren't exactly 'dream schools' - </p>

<p>my advice is to calculate your UC GPA, weighted a-g courses for 10 and 11th grades....if it is above 4.0-ish then you should have a pretty good chances, especially considering your school. If they do send that many (or admit that many) to Cal each year, and if you get a higher class ranking, you'll have a good chance.</p>