<p>GPA is a 4.0 unweighted and I took 1 AP class sophomore year (only one you can take) and 3 AP classes junior year (couldn't take calc or language because not advanced enough in math and had to start a new language in high school) and looking at 5-6 AP classes next year. 33 ACT (taken sophomore year, taking again in June going for a 34). Excellent EC's if I may so so myself. Great recommendations. I'm a great writer so hopefully great essays. Haven't taken subject tests yet, but hoping for a 750 in both Bio (M) and Math II. Also, bilingual (can speak, read, AND write another language) Applying for biology major, so hopefully not a huge factor.</p>
<p>I'm also extremely conflicted about stuff to include on my Apps. I mean, I am president of 3 clubs (one of which I founded), and have been for 11th and 12th (before VP, treasurer, etc.)) which I am truly passionate about, but I don't want to seem as though I'm padding my resume. One of the clubs ties in very well with other ECs, one to personal experience (mental health), the other to the minor I'm hoping to pursue. Any advice?</p>
<p>Oh and 5’s on all AP exams!</p>
<p>Which UCs are you primarily looking at? Also, are you out of state or in-state? I ask, because depending on certain factors your competition varies. As far as the which campuses are you looking at, some are more obviously difficult to get in than others, because they put emphasis on different things. </p>
<p>I’m looking at ucla, UCB, UCD, UCSD, UCI And UCSC. UCLA is my favorite of them 
haha @asianally</p>
<p>@BA1015CA
Well if you’re in-state, that’ll help tremendously. Honestly speaking, you have a great chance at UCB and UCLA. Your academic record and scores are right on the dot. As for what to put on your app for ECs, put something down that you’re passionate about and/or have heavily participated in. And then when you write your essays, try to incorporate the ones that you’re passionate about to what you want to do. When writing your personal statement, do some research on what the main UC you want to get into wants (i.e. UCLA) to see, and NEVER forget to be YOU in your statements and make them PERSONAL. I can’t stress that enough, because of how holistic UCB and UCLA is. And don’t forget your community service! I know for UCB it’s a big deal, unless you kind of make up for it in a big way or in other areas. Oh and as for the others, you’ll probably get in. Stay on course and best of luck to ya!</p>
<p>CHANCE ME BACK: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1610411-chance-me-for-all-my-colleges-will-try-to-chance-back.html#latest”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1610411-chance-me-for-all-my-colleges-will-try-to-chance-back.html#latest</a></p>
<p>Does UCB care about hours, or involvement? Because I volunteer at a few places, very close to my heart. In fact, one of my leadership positions is community service and it is both important to me on a personal level and it is actually part of what I hope to study. However, the places I volunteer, while I sometimes clock in, I rarely don’t. Officially, I probably only have 100 hours. Unofficially, however, I probably have 400+ because I am there ALL THE TIME. Also, for my leadership/service position, I rarely keep track. I would estimate 90 hours a year into that, though. Thoughts? @asianally</p>
<p>CHANCING RIGHT NOW!</p>
<p>*I rarely do. (clock in) sorry! @asianally</p>
<p>@BA1015CA
UCB cares about the involvement. 100% sure. On the app though, they will ask for how many hours a week and how many weeks per year, for how many years. So you don’t necessarily have to put down “official” hours and such. But this is a perfect topic though for an essay, especially if this is close to your heart. This my friend is a good sign. Also on the UC App, at the end, there is an “Additional Comments” section that you can use to explain anything at all in your app or let them know other details about you. So that right there is an opportunity for you to explain to them your clocking in hours and time spent. It’s not too big of deal honestly. And thanks for chancing! </p>
<p>PS I’ve been all across this forum and all over Google and such, reading about UCB’s admissions process due to my constant worrying… Hahaha! I’ve been at this for the last three months almost daily! So feel to ask a question anytime! I’m not an expert, but I do know a few things about the UC system. And UCLA’s admissions are similar to UCB’s.</p>
<p>@intentando (also Rice, Pomona, Northwestern!)</p>
<p>@asianally Thanks so much :)! I really appreciate it. I’m honestly quite worried. UCLA and UCB take so many students from my school, meaning a lot apply, which is stressful for me to have to compete. Last year, I think we sent about 8-10 to each one (at least, I think this is a lot haha)</p>
<p>@BA1015CA
It’s all good. We all worry! But hey, you have better chances than a lot of people, like me. Imagine what people with my stats are thinking of and worrying about when we’re applying to the UCs! We’re all the same! Worrywarts! I’m out of state with a low SAT score for my dream school Berkeley, and now just really hoping that my essays, ECs, and GPA is good enough. And you’re still a junior. You have a slight bit of time left to do more, including your summer. Just remember to stay on course, constantly challenge yourself, and plan ahead, which you’re already doing by lurking around here! And plus, you never know if you’re gonna change your mind about going to this school or that school. Aim high and don’t be scared, because you never know what’s gonna happen. I’m from GA and didn’t know what UC Berkeley was until I attended a summer program there. The only schools I knew in California at the time were UCLA and Stanford, and I have family in the Bay Area too and have been to Cali several times. But once I discovered Berkeley, I knew that’s where I wanted to go. At that point, it was a bit late to “plan” for Berkeley. So you never know where life takes you. Just be open to new things and you’ll find the perfect place for ya! I hear this all the time, because of my constant worrying about UC Berkeley, but: “Everything will work out for you. Even if you don’t get what you want, things will be in your favor at the end.”</p>
<p>You’re such a sweet person, and I hope that comes across in your applications! I sincerely hope you get into Berkeley! Let me know when you find out, I’d love to hear about your results (hopefully successes) Good luck to you! Yes, I’m applying for some research programs, but they only take 10 students each so I’m going out on a limb, but I really feel as though I’m different in that I’m not a typical “nerd” from my appearance or behavior. I hope that will be appealing for the admissions committee at the programs!! Hope to hear from you in the future.</p>
<p>@BA1015CA
Thanks for the nice comment! I try to be real nice on these forums because I’ve seen a lot of comments that were a bit too blunt and harsh. You never know if you destroyed a 16-18 year old kid’s dreams… And everyone needs some positive reinforcement here and there. But good luck to ya on the programs! </p>