Chance of getting into UCSB or UCI, Fall 2012?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hey guys! For college bound, high school seniors, October starts a period of stress, stress, and more stress. I am currently
applying to colleges right now for the Fall 2012 semester and I'm definitely feeling the pressure. I've visited UCSB several
times and UCI once, and these two are right at the top of my list; UCSB being first and UCI being second. I was hoping you all
could tell me what my chances are of getting into these schools (preferably those REALLY knowledgeable in the UC admissions area). I am
seriously IN LOVE with UCSB, so even if you at least tell me what you think my chances are of getting into just there, that would
be great! Thanks to everyone who answers. (Please be honest).
GPA: 3.85
SAT: 1710 (if superscored, it goes up significantly)
Going to take SAT II's in 2 weeks for math 2, u.s history, and eng lit. I am planning on getting relatively high scores on these b/c
I took the AP tests and passed with 4's in these subjects.
ACT: 24; took my second one last saturday and I feel as if my score will go up. If not, I am stuck with the 24 :(
Top 5 percentile of my graduating class and I was granted ELC.
I am from California's Central Valley(Merced)
I have taken 11 AP's or honors and classes at Merced COllege as well.
My current senior schedule is: Academic Decathlon(interdisciplinary studies), AP Calculus, AP Eng Lit, AP Euro History, AP Gov, Econ Honors, and Computer Programming</p>

<p>Extras:
-Have been a cheerleader for many years
-Cheer coach, and cheer camp advisor
-Various cheer awards: squad got a bid to nationals, all american cheer, attended different cheer camps
-Former gymnast
-CSF member
-Honor student
-designated ELC student
-AP student (passed most with 4 or better)
-250+ hours of community service
-Have been volunteering at the the hospital for several years
-Worked in the Health Information Management department
-Tutor
-Nanny
-Active member in the OM club
-Member of FBLA, as well as commissioner of activities and Parliamentarian(lawmaker)
-Link Leader for every year it was possible
- Member of the Academic Decathlon club/Class/and Team
-Worked in the school library
-Member of Habitat for Humanitarian
-Involved in other community service activities(i.e helped run a carnival, floatmaking, parades for school and community, etc.)
-I am hoping to write amazing personal statements; I have to say, writing is my forte, and in addition, I have compelling personal stories I wish to tell
-I have gone through hardships which I believe are part of the reason for my low-ish GPA which I will probably explain in my essays
-I am of Laotion and Thai descent; however English is my primary language
-I've been in advanced classes since the 1st grade (if that accounts for anything)
-I will have letters of recommendations as well
-For UCSB I plan to major in economics and quantitative economics for UCI
-I am also applying to pretty much all of the other UC's as well, so if you want, you can chance me for other schools too, but I am most interested in these two.</p>

<p>Well, this is all I can think of right now.
Thank you to all who answer!!</p>

2

<p>UCs don’t superscore. But if you’ve taken it over three times already…ehh. Don’t bother with retaking it. I guess you can consider the ACT if you have time and if you’re worried about your SAT scores. You’re at a lower end.</p>

<p>I heard that UCs place more weight on academics and the personal statement, so while your ECs look impressive-ish, I’m not quite sure how much they would help you. But again, I’m not sure. Your Personal Statement would be your best bet if you wanted to get in.</p>

<p>For the record, you may be a good writer, but none of that matters if you don’t answer the prompt correctly. Make sure you don’t accidentally mix the two prompts together in on prompt or answer only one part of your prompt. It might sound obvious, but keep that in mind anyway. People tend to make mistakes when it comes to the most obvious things.</p>

<p>UCs don’t look at recommendation letters. At all. Don’t bother with sending them.</p>

3

<p>Oh right, and I forgot about the chancing part. I also missed the ACT part. Haha, oops.</p>

<p>Well, I don’t think your GPA is that bad, but considering that less than 50% get in and that this year there will most likely be even more competition…well, good luck getting in. I wouldn’t say that it’s a reach, but I can’t quite call it a match either. Sorry for being vague. Maybe someone more optimistic will say something better.</p>

4

<p>I wouldn’t place any hope into UCLA, SD or Berkeley. You should only apply to the ones you really think you would like attending. </p>

<p>As for UCI/D/SB, the bad thing is that they admit pretty randomly…honestly, I think your stats are kind of low for those schools. I had a slightly higher GPA than yours and a higher SAT. I didn’t get into UCD or SB. I got onto the waitlist for both, which I heard few people ever get off. However, it’s not all bad news though…I had a friend who I think had a similar GPA to yours and 17xx SAT. He got into Davis and SB but not UCI. I think you have a chance at these schools, but its a bit low. It’s also random so you might not get the one you want. </p>

<p>You have amazing EC’s though and being in the top 5% of your class really helps. Make sure to write a good statement and I think that’ll get you in.</p>