Berkeley is my dream school. I am a California resident and my high school sends an average of 15 students to Berkeley each year. My unweighted GPA is low, at a 3.2. However, I have taken 6 APs so far and plan on taking 4-5 more this upcoming year. My rigorous course load has majority to do with my lack for a better average. My SAT score was a 1320, I am retaking the SAT this month (my practice test average has been in the 1400s). As far as ECs I am the founding member/president of a Student Union on campus, I am a DECA officer, a 4 year varsity lacrosse athlete, I am a musician (violinist in orchestra and certified pianist) and I coordinate and assist writing grants for an environmental non profit. Also, not sure if this is significant but I am Multi Ethnic and 1/8 Native American. I realize my GPA is quite low but would Berkeley overlook this due to my ECs and test score?
UC’s do not consider race/ethnicity in their admission decisions.
GPA is one of the top factors for the UC’s so EC’s and test scores cannot make a lackluster high school record. You have some good EC’s. but it looks like you put your time into these activities vs. you school work.
UCB is a Reach for all applicants so for you a Very High Reach. Look for schools that will appreciate your ethnicity/race (privates) and your many EC activities.
Freshman admit rates for UC GPA of 3.00-3.39
UCB/UCLA/UCSD: 1%
UCI/UCSB: 2%
UCD: 4%
UCSC: 18%
UCR: 38%
UCM: 67%
- Berkeley
- Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores
- Important: Extracurricular activities, Volunteer work, Work experience
- Considered: Character/personal qualities, First generation college student, State residency
- Note: Thorough review of academic performance; likely contribution to intellectual and cultural vitality of the campus; diversity in personal background and experience; demonstrated qualities in leadership, motivation, concern for others and community; non-academic achievement in the performing arts, athletics or employment; demonstrated interest in major.
- LOR's by invitation only as of 2017
I don’t know how the first pass of apps works with Cal - GPA IS important, and it may mean yours ends up in the NO pile before someone has had a chance to look beyond it. All I can say is, your essays had better be OUTSTANDING. And if you are asked to submit LOR’s, get really good recs and SUBMIT THEM.
My advice, not meant to be harsh…but it might be a better idea to spend your application fee money at more realistic schools. There are a LOT of very good schools who would welcome a 3.2 and a bunch of APs.
In order to overlook your GPA, your SAT’s must be higher and your EC’s should be more concentrated on a specific passion.
At other Universities the fact that you are 1/8 Native American can help (although Berkeley does not really care), but the fact that your from California hurts your chances.
If it’s your dream - give it a shot! But don’t get your hopes up…