<p>I'm in the process of applying to UCD, and I'm intensely nervous about getting in. I realize that it's a reach for me, but I'd like to know if there's anything I can do to better my chances.<br>
Anyway, these are my numbers:
GPA: 4.2/3.8 (w/uw)
SAT:620cr/530m/630w/1780. I've honestly tried to improve these, but I can't seem to crack it. I'll be taking the ACT this weekend, and I expect to do much better on it.
Honors classes: 7
AP courses: 5; Self-studied: 1.
City College classes: Sign Language; Environmental Horticulture.
Awards: On the CIF Academic Championship team for Track & Field. NHS Scholar.
ECs:
-4 years of track. (2 years varsity, 1 year captain.)
-Kids Helping Kids. (Entirely student-run non profit. $1,000,000 raised so far for kids locally and globally)
-buildOn founding president (Our goal is to raise money to fund the building of a school in Haiti, and then to take a trip there to help build it.)
-3 years Speak Against Hate club and GSA.</p>
<p>I know that this isn't enough to get me in, but UCD seems to put a lot of weight on the personal statements. I'm hoping to write some killer essays with these ideas:
-My sister is deaf and has CP, so I'll be writing an essay on my experiences with her and with deaf culture in general.
-Reflection on my service trips to New Orleans (w/ youth group) and Nicaragua (w/ Kids Helping Kids). </p>
<p>I've been to UCD multiple times and I love it more than any school I've ever visited. I really got the sense that I would belong there. I have some back up schools lined up, but I'm hoping beyond hope that I can make the cut for UCD. What can I do to improve my chances?</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your time! :)</p>