Chances of getting accepted

State Forums
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<p>Hi everyone,
My situation is slightly different and I have no idea where I'm standing.
My unweighted GPA is 3.9 my weighted is 3.6. I haven't taken any AP nor Honors classes; the reason being that I moved to the U.S. in the beginning of my freshman year and spent the next 3 years in ESL program. Now I'm a senior trying my best to get into UCI. My ACT score was 25 but I just took it on September 13 and I plan to take the October one too. My goal is a 28. I have above 100 hours of community service. As for challenge, my whole high school years' been a challenge of learning the language and adapting to the new environment which I've stated in my essay. So I ask your opinion; what are my chances? I'm interested in UCI's pharmaceutical science program and I'm also applying to Penn state park and university of texas at austin for their petroleum engineering. Should I state the major or is it better to apply as an Undeclared? Does it change the chances of getting accepted?
Thank you for reading my questions</p>

2

<p>You need to calculate your UC GPA for UCI, see link: <a href=“GPA Calculator for the University of California – RogerHub”>http://rogerhub.com/gpa-calculator-uc/&lt;/a&gt;
You cannot have a Weighted GPA lower than Unweighted so I assume this is a typo. UCI like most UC’s are very GPA focused, so you GPA looks like it is in range but a 4.0+ would be better. Your ACT is on the low side at 25, so hopefully one of other ACT’s will be higher. The pharmaceutical science program is fairly competitive, so it would be your best interest to apply directly for the major. It may be difficult to switch later.</p>

<p>UCI: High Match (if you get ACT up to 28)/Low Reach (if ACT lower)</p>

<p>Good Luck.</p>

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<p>Thank you.</p>

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<p>First of all, I think it is amazing that you have been able to achieve a 3.6/3.9 GPA and 25 ACT when you have only been here a few years and have been learning English! You are obviously a hard worker, and I think that may work in your favor with college applications. Get your ACT up if at all possible and then discuss your “starting over in a new country” in some fashion in your application, whether in your essay or in a comment section depending on the school. Highlight your ability to adapt and to achieve good grades while transitioning in a new country. The UC’s are becoming more and more competitive so normally I would say your SAT is probably on the low side, however, given the challenges you have faced, you might have a shot. Be sure to also look at other schools that might give you points for that. You might also look at University of the Pacific’s pharmacy program- your stats look good if you can get your ACT up just a point or 2, and they offer good financial aid. You also might want to take the SAT to see if you do better on that. Good luck!</p>

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<p>Thank you</p>