<p>Why not UCSD, UCD or UCSB? I don’t understand why everyone wants to go to the schools that you have mentioned. The three UCs that I mentioned produce so many successful graduates each year. Prestige doesn’t do much for you in the long run. Looking at your ECs, it seems like you wanna do pre-med. If that is the case, going to a place like Cornell or Cal is a HUGE MISTAKE. These schools have horrible grade-deflation. If you wanna do grad school, go to a school where you can earn a high GPA. Name doesn’t matter as much as you think it does. In case of NYU, save some money and stay in CA. Take Columbia, Cal and UCLA out of your head (with 4 B’s, the only way you would get in is if you were recruited for a sport). I know that I sound pessimistic to you, but I’m probably the most realistic person you will meet here. I don’t try to be a downer; I just don’t want you to feel disappointed at the end of your senior year. </p>