<p>I was very bored and unmotivated during freshman and sophomore year because of the courses I was taking and teachers I had. I got serious in junior and senior year as the idea of college became more real. Im hoping that they see my upwards trend, since my most recent grades are the most realistic portrayal of what they can expect. </p>
<p>Extra Curricular
3 Years Varsity Tennis (# 4-1 Singles)
Computer Club President
Snowboard Club 4 Years
Computer Repair School Head Technician
Took free classes at community college during junior year as part of a high school partnership for excelling students.
Designed and maintain school newspaper website. (thenhspawprint.org)
Was involved in a 2500 member organization sophomore year ( reason for GPA dip )</p>
<p>Essay
Excellent</p>
<p>P.S. I am looking to go for the great computer science / engineering program they have. I have tried to define myself as a bona fide nerd. I am a Hispanic - White. I also speak russian. I am out of state (CT).</p>
<p>Nice EC’s. Unfortunately, your SAT’s and GPA are relatively low for the engineering program. (They only calculate the overall GPA from your sophomore and junior years)
Even though the UC system is trying to increase the recruitment of out-of-staters, you might really need to explain yourself very well in your essays about your GPA situation.</p>
<p>Unless you are sitting on some Soviet oil or are proficient in robbing banks, I wouldn’t go to UCSB from out of state. You do realize it’s $50,000/yr and only going up, right?</p>
<p>Trust me, it’s not easy being admitted to your dream school and decide not to attend bc it’s too expensive. This happened to me, but I can safely say I’m having a good time at UW-Madison instead for a fraction of the cost.</p>
<p>From what I’ve looked at, the out-of-state tuition seems to be 20k as of 2008, but i know they have been bumping it up. What is the 50k you’re talking about comprised of?Also, I would get in-state tuition after one year because i would live with my relative there.</p>
<p>You’ll also want to check further if you can get in-state tuition after a year. I too have relatives living in Santa Barbara, so like yourself, I though perhaps I could get in-state after a year or so but it turned out to not be that easy. Look into further to see what’s up because I don’t remember the specifics.</p>