<p>Hi-
I'm sorry I may have posted this already in a different thread and now realized that that may have been the wrong place to ask it. I will try to delete that post! </p>
<p>This is what I wrote:</p>
<p>"I need a brutal answer about my chances for getting into Haas. I just want to get some realistic advice from people who have gotten into Haas (or UC Berkeley in general). I am thinking of applying to Haas NEXT year. I have applied to a few CSU's already this year and I will probably get into them, but I am trying to decide whether I should wait until I have applied to Haas next year before going to a CSU. Just trying to see if I have a chance of getting into it or if I shouldn't bother. </p>
<p>So here's my story:
I'm going to a community college right now. I used to be a film studies major and didn't do too well in my General Education classes. However, after changing my major to business I have been getting A's in all of my prerequisite classes. But since I didn't do too well before, the highest I can get my GPA up will be 3.4 or 3.5 - That is far too low for Haas, I know.
Regarding Extra-curricular activities, I am thinking of volunteering for a homeless shelter and/or animal shelter for a year.
Aside from that, I have founded 2 clubs in community college, have been president and vice president of those. I have been a foreign language tutor for the past 3 years. Also, I have a pretty successful online clothing store where I sell indie/boho/hipster style clothing that I design and manufacture myself (could this be looked at as a work experience (and/or start-up) of its own?). </p>
<p>I would appreciate some honest insights & thoughts!"</p>
<p>If I were you, I would most likely wait. You will be able to transfer more credits, have a stronger GPA, and try your chances at a school that is significantly better than than the CSUs. </p>
<p>And you can explore other options. Why aren’t you considering the other UCs?</p>
<p>Thank you BuBBLES FoR SALE-
Since I want to major in Business, I am all about Berkeley, because it has the best business school out of the UC’s. I will also try to apply to USC. But I just think that, because of my low GPA, I will have barely any chances of getting into any of the higher ranked business schools. Even Haas is pushing it. But my counselor was being optimistic. Yet, I hope that I can get some honest and straight forward opinions/thoughts from members of this forum. Because I suspect counselors are ALWAYS extremely optimistic since they don’t want to be discouraging.</p>
<p>I would wait as well so that I can boost my GPA up- I’m guessing you live in Cali right? If so then wait until maybe next year and also apply to other schools with great business programs like USC or UCLA</p>
<p>Catria & oohtobeagooner - Thank you guys for your input.
I do think I want to wait until next year. I will probably also apply to other UC’s and USC too (although Haas is my dream school), but I am just wondering, should I even bother? Because I did some calculations last night and the highest I can get my GPA up until next year will be 3.4- Will any of the business schools at UCs/USC even consider me with a GPA this low? I will try to do some great EC’s and get KILLER recommendations… I will also have amazing personal statements(maybe even explain the reason why my grades were low early on in my career). But will that even be enough with a GPA of 3.4? I’m just trying to be realistic. My friend said I shouldn’t even bother and just settle for a CSU. I’m trying to hear a few more people’s opinions</p>
<p>If you absolutely want to go to Berkeley, wait. Use another year to boost your GPA. If you want to apply to some lower end UC’s, you should do that this year. Just being honest.</p>
<p>In addition, from what I’ve read, Haas is looking for well-rounded people. It’s not just about getting a 4.0, it’s about maintaining grades while working, making a difference in your own community, etc. Personally, I don’t see why it matters if you apply now AND next year. Take a shot at it (if you haven’t, the filing period has ended anyway). Worst case scenario is that you wait for another year - which would be an excellent time to find new EC’s and find something to do with your time. Obviously, by your incessant bumping you’re feeling anxious. My advice to you is shoot for the best and reassess your choices once you have acceptance letters in your hand. It is pointless wasting your time worrying.</p>
<p>As you can see, grades matter. But 35% of the application is based on essays with 15% on your resume. Judging from your previous posts I can tell that you’ve founded 2 clubs and have thought about volunteering. Nowadays, I see every applicant posting that they’ve founded 10 clubs, are VPs for 8 more, and spend their free-time curing cancer. Actually do something that means something to you and you will find, as I hope to in the coming months, that universities see passion and drive. Not to mention that they can see through all the ********.</p>