Chances for UC Berkeley-

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

I am currently a sophomore, and I’ve already decided that Berkeley is my dream school. Can you tell me if I’m on the right track? I live in India, but I’m a US citizen.
Intended major- Economics and Math, minor- Computer studies

PSAT score- 217/240 (highest in my grade). Will take the SAT this summer.
Class rank- 5/6 out of 100
9th GPA- 9.8/10
10th GPA- predicted: 10/10 (CBSE)
SAT Math 1: 760/800 (will retake)
SAT Math level 2: 800/800

My ECs…

Piano for 10 years- Reached a very high level, with excellent scores in exams- Played in concerts and fundraisers.
Hindustani Vocal for 11 years- cleared the junior diploma- working on 3rd year exam- performed in many functions and performances
POETRY- Published in several honorary american national journals, alongside poetic laureates- my poem was regarded a ‘leading submission’ in one.
(Published an ebook, active blog)
Internships with literary magazines and Times of India national newspaper (over 4-5 months)
Community service (150+ hrs)- teaching underprivileged students English
Cleared national level of spellbee international competition
Published in all-India student newspaper
Active participant in MUN
Guest speaker at a literary conference

I will be joining one of the best international IB schools in the world for junior and senior year, which starts in August. So, I have a 5-month break. Here are my plans-

Take SAT and Physics SAT subject test
Plan to get published by a prestigious house in India- an actual paper-back book
More community service, volunteering and internships with another magazine
Take part in a state and national poetry competition, hopefully clinch a prize
Take a computer science and french honors course
Prepare for literature SAT subject test
TRY to get published in perhaps, an internationally recognized poetry journal
Start an English club in my apartment, to bring the joy of English to children of up to 10 years

So… can you maybe give me some advice or constructive criticism? Can you also suggest a few other colleges you think may be within my grasp?
Thanks!

2

So far, you seem to be a very strong candidate, but it’s still early to tell. You have an impressive list of ECs, which is really good for UCs. I think you should have no problem getting into Berkeley, but it is difficult so no absolute guarantee.

For the UC schools, make sure you look at their a-g requirements. It requires some things that your school may not. Good luck!

3

Oh and I also got a state award- gold medal of excellence for the English Olympiad…

Do you think that if I keep my grades up and increase my list of accomplishments, I will be a strong candidate for ivy league?

4

Anyone?

5

Which city are you in?

6

Does it matter? I live in southern India…