I’d like to apply as a comp sci major or anything computer related, but I fear that will put me at an disadvantage because those type of programs are impacted as it is.
GPA: 3.5 UW/3.8 W (guesstimate)
SAT: 1790
APs: AP Euro (5), AP USH (5), AP Psych (5), AP Lang (4), AP Computer Science (taking), AP Principles of Computer Science (taking)
Extracurriculars: I feel they’re kind of strong. I’m Pres/VP for two clubs, and am in Girls Who Code and participated in the GWC Summer Immersion Program as well as doing peer mentoring and tutoring
Essay: I started my essays early and in one of them I feel like I clearly conveyed my passion for computer science and technology
Disadvantages: I go to a highly competitive public school (3000+ kids), low stats, low-ish math score for SAT, senior course load only has 2 APs??
My dream right now is UCI for Undeclared Information Sciences. However, I feel like I should apply for political science (which is my other interest) in general for the UCs, because for some reason I feel like I would have a better chance of getting in. I don’t know…
@blackpink what’s your UC GPA? Rogerhub has a link and so does the CSU site. You can just search it and it’ll come up. It caps at 4 AP/UC honors semesters max, so that’s 8 year long classes basically. Your SAT is a little low, and if you raised it on the new sat or took the ACT you might have a better chance.
P.s. Is your username a reference to a kpop girl group?
@evasiverabbit thanks! I just calculated it and my UC GPA is 3.62… not sure if that’s a good thing lol. I’m planning to retake the ACT and possibly the new SAT too.
and YES!!! do you know them? 
@blackpink haha yes, I know them–The new YG group lol (hate to admit it publicly but I’ve been kpop trash since freshman year)
And if your GPA is a 3.62 UCI would be a reach because the average GPA is 4.04–the median for the 25th percentile is 3.93–dw, I’m in the same position as you, but I’ve found a link that shows admits by major at UCI(here ya go: http://www.oir.uci.edu/files/adm/IA27-fall-fr-mean-hsgpa-by-major.pdf?R=386928) with the UC GPA.
As you can see it’s a lot lower if you’re majoring in art, social science, or physical science. You should still apply and write some nice essays/put together a stellar application and still get in; it’s rare but not impossible.
Meanwhile, if you need more match-high match schools, add some CSU schools like SDSU, CSULB, CSUF, SFSU, and SJSU.
You could also add UCR and UCSC. UCSC would be a little harder for an admit, but I think you can get in.
@blackpink, are you a California resident?
Based on UC GPA and current test scores, your target UC schools would be UCM/UCR and possibly UCSC. UCI likes high GPA’s and can be a bit more forgiving with lower than average test scores, so worth an application. For the rest of the UC’s, they will be a reach just based on stats. Essays and EC’s can help but usually do not make up for a lower than average GPA or test scores.
I agree with @evasiverabbit that you should look at the Cal states for solid Match and Safety schools.
Good Luck.
With your stats and a really compelling application, UCI could definitely happen. As others note, however, hedge your bets with some schools like UCR, SDSU and CSULB.
Good luck
@evasiverabbit blackpink has got me snatched and to be honest SAME kpop trash here
Thanks for the link! It’s pretty useful. I’ll also probably apply to some CSUs too, just in case.
Thanks, I wish you the best!
@auntbea yes, I am a California resident
@Gumbymom Thank you! I agree, my stats will probably hurt me a lot.
@NCalRent Thanks for giving me some hope! I’ll definitely try to apply to a few CSUs. Do you think I stand a chance for CSUs like Cal Poly SLO or SJSU?
For` Cal Poly SLO, their CS acceptance rate is around 10% and your stats are very low in comparison to their average of CSU GPA 4.17 and SAT (Math+CR) of 1450 so definitely a Reach. Software Engineering has a higher acceptance rate but you need to in the ballpark of the average stats so a solid chance. Also SLO uses 9-11th grades (only CSU that does).
SJSU has a very competitive CS and SE program. You need to calculate your Eligibility index for the CSU’s.
SJSU publishes their EI thresholds for each major for each year.
(CSU GPA x800) + (SAT Math + CR).
The threshold for CS was 4300. For SE was 3600. These EI thresholds will fluctuate year to year, so no guarantees.
Below is the link so you can see if there are any other majors of interest.
http://info.sjsu.edu/web-dbgen/narr/static/admission/frosh-f2015impact.html
For SDSU, you want an EI of around 4100+, CSULB around 4000+ and CSU Fullerton around 3900+
Cal Poly Pomona would be a solid match along with a very good CS program.
You might also want to consider Information Technology or Information Systems (more of a business emphasis) as possible computer related major. Less competitive than CS/SE.
As others note above CS is super competitive at many of the most popular campuses. You probably won’t make CP SLO or SJSU in that major. Pick any other and SJSU would be happy to have you.
There’s a little guess work without your SAT breakdown. Assuming you scored roughly 600 in all 3 categories - you Index is about 4100. I think you have a good shot at SDSU and the rest of the CSUs.
Lots of good suggestions from other. I’d add Chico as another campus with a solid program and worth considering.