<p>Specifically, I'm applying for UCLA, UCSD, UCI, UCSB, and both of the CalPolys for a range of majors depending on what the schools offered ( mostly computer information systems things ). CalState Fullerton is likely my safety school. </p>
<p>So, I attend the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. A brief rundown of my school: we start at 8am and classes end at 4pm. It's relatively small; my graduating class has only 164 seniors. This is largely a public commuter school where many students, including myself, often have 1-2hr. commutes going to and from school. We have only 6 AP classes total ( Lang&Comp, Lit, Gov, U.S., Bio, and Calc ) and 5 art departments: visual arts, music, theatre, dance, and film. Here's my problem...</p>
<p>I don't have any big "traditional" ECs simply because I don't have the time for them. I know my SAT score is going to be a big problem. I'll definitely be retaking in Dec., but there's no way to say that I might improve by much.</p>
<p>SAT: 1840
Reading: 730
Math: 560
Writing: 550</p>
<p>Classes I've taken:</p>
<p>10th
Algebra II A-/A+
Biology A/A
H English 10 A/A+
Mandarin II A/A
Yearbook A-/B+
World Art History A/A
P.E. A/A
Traditional Animation A/A
Intro to Painting A/A
Life Composition ( Figure Drawing ) A/A
Mixed Media B+/A-</p>
<p>11th
AP Lang&Comp B/B
AP U.S. History A/A+
Trigonometry B-
Pre-Calc A
Yearbook A/A
Mandarin III A/B+
Chemistry A/A-
Adv. Computer 3d Animation A-/A
Fashion Design A-/A
Figure Drawing A/A
Intermediate Painting A/A
Printmaking B+/A</p>
<p>Attempted+Completed Credits: 240
10-12 GPA: 4.01 ( weighted ) 3.81 ( unweighted )</p>
<p>I've also privately accepted commissions for about three years now, with about 200+ pieces completed at 3-5hrs per piece and I tutored elementary school kids for 2 summers, about 3hrs/week. </p>
<p>I'm Chinese/Vietnamese, have 3 siblings ( one of whom is my half-sister ) and a single parent with an income of less than $45,000. Will be a first generation college student. </p>
<p>I understand that my arts might count against me here going into a more academic field. I went to this school thinking that I would be an artist after I graduated, but obviously this has changed now... and I'm not sure how that's going to affect my chances. I am NOT looking for responses that completely disqualify me because of my arts background or things like "Why aren't you going to an art school??" I just want some insight as I go on to write my UC essays. I'd also love to see some suggestions for alternative in-state schools with good computer information programs.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>