<p>Hi Reach: None.
Reach: UCB, UCLA.
Match or Semi-Reach: UCSD.
Lo Match or Good Fit: UCD, UCSB, Pepperdine, UCI.
Likely: UCSC.
Safety: UCR.</p>
<p>–An obvious way to cut down on your apps is to apply to only 2 of your Low Matches, but note that Pepperdine has a slightly lower admit rate.
–UCLA is a borderline Match (Semi-Reach) for you, between UCB and UCSD.
–UCSC is not technically a Safety. What is a Likely? I dont know! Maybe 80% chance of being admitted.</p>
<p>–If you want another Match (Semi-Reach) school, you could find a well-funded private for that category. Id say have a look at Dickinson College ¶. It would fall into this category for you. They have a Business major that combines business, econ, & foreign language. Very good writing programs & study abroad. For a small school its produced plenty of alumni in Journalism and Govt. Interesting location for an aspiring journalist, kind of equidistant to NYC, Philly, and Washington. Use the net price calculator on their website to see what you get, if youre interested. </p>
<p>By the way, the calculators are not the final word in assessing cost. If they admit you, and you can show them that you are really interested in the school (hopefully before they admit you!), you can often squeeze more aid out of them. Well-funded privates, at least.</p>