Chance me?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

I go to a small private school which doesn’t offer very many AP’s, does not have the IB program, and has limited opportunities for extracurriculars, so please keep this in mind.

ACT: 30 (31 superscore) but (35 English, 29 Math, 30 Reading, 27 Science, 6 out of 12 on the writing) I know the writing is terrible
High school unweighted GPA: 3.92
University of California GPA: 3.95 unweighted, 4.33 weighted
Rigor of classes: 8 honors, 2 AP’S
Math taken: Geometry, Honors Algebra 2, Honors PreCalc, AP Calculus BC
Science taken: Honors Biology, Chemistry, Physics
English taken: Honors English 9, 10, 11; AP English Literature and Composition
Foreign language: 3 years of Spanish
Class rank: 14/83 (top 17%)
EC’s: International Thespian Society, all high school theatre productions (over 1,000 hours), show choir, NHS, math tutor
Honors/Awards: letters in academics, music, and theatre; superior at state thespian festival (qualified for Internationals), reached Honor Thespian Status
Volunteer service: 100+ hours at a variety of organizations
Intended major: Theatre (acting concentration)

I also think my common app essay is very strong and my teacher recommendations are good, one from my math teacher of two years and one from my drama teacher

Here is where I’m applying:

Reach schools:
Northwestern (I HIGHLY doubt I’d get in but I’m applying ED)
UCLA
USC
UCSB

Other schools:
Loyola Chicago
University of Washington at Seattle

2

Your W UC GPA is good. Wouldn’t you want to retake the ACT, because of your low writing score? Some universities may look at the essay score as well.
Based on your ACT score and GPA, I believe:
UCLA - low reach (average ACT is 28, but 75% rank score is 33)
USC - high match (average ACT is 31)
UCSB - match (average ACT is 28 and 75% rank score is 30)

Do note that UCLA and UCSB are no longer accepting LORs.

Good luck.

3

UC’s never accepted LOR’s unless they specifically requested them for a supplemental review. UCB did a pilot program last year and invited some applicants to submit LOR’s. Not sure if they will be doing again this year.

4

I know UC’s don’t accept LOR’s, but how much emphasis does a good letter have on the decision? Loyola, USC, and Northwestern all accept/require them.