<p>Previous GPA: 2.7 with 50 quarter units. (5+ years ago) multiple withdraws
Current GPA: 3.9 with 62 quarter units. (from fall 2006 to present)
Cum. GPA: 3.3</p>
<p>Applying for pre-History major in L&S. Have a kick-ass personal statement and experience in the corporate world as a graphic designer for 5+ years (production management level with a media group). Was a tutor for the history department at my cc. Phi Theta Kappa honors fraternity. Multiple A+s on current work.</p>
<p>It would be really hard for any of us to give an accurate "Chance" on your stats. But UCs do take your grade trends into consideration when looking at an applicant and it seems you have really got yourself together. If they pretty much discredit your previous grades then you have a good shot at Berkeley. But if they don't it will be pretty difficult. History is in the social science division for Berkeley and this year there is speculation that the admit rate will be 20% with an average GPA at a 3.8+. Did you discuss you previous grades in your personal statement?</p>
<p>Absolutely. I made no excuses and related how I have grown as a student. I was also able to give a good example of "work in the field" with a brief stint last summer for an old friend at a private school who let me take over his history class for 2 days while he was at the World History Conference. (Didn't need to show teaching credentials because it was a private school and I was reimbursed by the teacher - it was my former high school actually, and my former teacher who allowed me to sub.)</p>
<p>Berkeley supposedly takes a very holistic approach when looking at applications so if they look at you as a student now and not how you were a student 5 years ago you would have a fairly decent shot.</p>
<p>Actually, I'm a ringer. I did transfer to Cal this past year with all the stats I listed (Including 19 withdraws on my previous record). I changed my years at cc from 2006 to present from the actual 2005 to 2007. I just want you all to know that having a less than stellar academic history isn't as important as showing a steady improvement. Although a really good personal statement does go a long way too. I was also accepted to other UCs (LA, Davis, & Santa Cruz), as well as 4 of the 7 Ivys that I applied to (although I actually never expected them to take me and was somewhat shocked). </p>
<p>If you don't get in and think that they admissions board missed something important - definitely appeal. That's what they are paid for and it can't hurt your chances any more than a rejection would. I know someone here who got in on an appeal.</p>
<p>That's amazing, I feel a lot better about my chances now. I'm applying as a transfer this fall and I was worried because I was dropped from a CSU, but have turned it around at my current CC. It's nice to know that people that don't have the highest GPA's can still get in.</p>
<p>Our lives seem identical. I have so many W's (10+) and F's (5+) that I retook and had removed from my transcript through academic renewal. As of today, I have gotten into every UC and am waiting to hear from Cal. I just think college confidential is such a joke sometimes, because anyone who stumbles into the forum thinks that one must be perfect to go to any decent college - which from first hand experience is obviously false. So to those who stumble into this thread and feel they can't go to a University of California campus - rethink this false belief. I recently convinced a kid in my class with a 3.5~ who was convinced he would only be able to transfer to Cal State schools because he had a couple W's - he had to drop out of school to take care of a family member. I've since convinced him to apply to the UC's next year and to write in his essay how he has been affected academically, and emotionally.</p>
<p>Too many over achievers throughout the forum. I'm glad the UC's holistic review considers life experience as reflective as grades.</p>
<p>Thanks for an interesting post, calbear. It's obvious that you're very passionate about your field and good to know that this was taken into account though in fact, in my opinion you have amazing grades and activities. Congratulations on your persistence and I hope you're having a great time at Cal.</p>