<p>This is my first official post on CC =) My name is Ava, and I'm currently a junior in high school. I've been doing some pretty serious college research lately and I'm really set on UC Berkeley. What are my chances of getting in?</p>
<p>Stats:
Class Rank: 5/673
GPA: (unweighted): 4.0 (no Bs yet, lol) 5.4 (on weighted 6.0 scale that my school uses)
Course Load: Basically all Honors/Pre-Ap except for the occassional elective class (debate, orchestra)
AP Courses Taken: AP Human Geography, AP World History (5's on both)
AP That I'm taking this year: Bio, Art History, APUSH, Statistics, English, Spanish 4</p>
<p>ECs:
Varsity tennis team - 3 years so far (4th in senior)
HOSA - State qualifyer in 2009
National Honor Society
National Spanish Honor Society
Mu Alpha Theta
Junior Class Treasurer (nominated and elected)
Key Club
Volunteered at Pediatric office, local temple
Classical Indian Dancer
Worked at George R. Brown's Thanksgiving/Christmas Feasts (its to provide Houston's homeless with food/clothing for the holidays)
Youth member of HMEC (national Hindu temple organization, basically a group to unite American temples together)</p>
<p>Tests:
I haven't taken my SAT/ACT yet, but my "real" PSAT is coming up and so far, I've been doing pretty good on practice tests; lately I've been ranging from 215-233.</p>
<p>I'm just so nervous about the whole process! I've read so many horror stories about people who have taught deaf children in Guatemala how to make robots, or something of the like, and still rejected from good schools like Berkeley and UCLA.
Does being from out of state hurt my chances for admission?</p>
<p>Out of state is a terrible disadvantage… In all honesty schools like UVA and Berkley are only as selective(% wise) as they are because of the out of staters. It really does hurt your chances, but if you were in state I would say you could expect an acceptance letter. Since you most likely aren’t, I would say you look pretty average. Seeing as how you aren’t Asian, you aren’t the typical Berkley candidate(Joking here), but I would really try to stress two things to them. 1. How you are very well rounded(A tinge of diversity mentioning wouldn’t hurt (Not something found at Berkley to an extent)). 2. Why Berkley interests you… Many times students just flock to the name…</p>
<p>MVP Freshman Girl’s Tennis
2 Year Recipient of Superintendent Scholar’s Award (basically, good grades)
Various (and almost worthless, lol) debate awards for FX and DX in freshman year
Camp Counselor for Hindu Youth Retreat - 2 years and running</p>
<p>Haha I AM Asian-American. I’d like to think that Classical dance lets me express a unique characteristic of my particular ethnic group, which is pretty uncommon 'round these parts.</p>
<p>Berkeley brand is great and all, but I’m honestly very interested in their Biology on a Chip Internship Program and their NSF program in evolutionary biology. I really want to major in genetics, and I’ve heard that I can get a good foundation there. Despite being a go-getter, I think going for schools just to wear the shiny badge of prestige is a little fake.</p>
<p>Berkeley will be hard just because you’re an out of stater. But I think if you tried for other schools on Berkeley’s tier you’d get in based on your stats. What are you expecting your SAT/ ACT score to be?</p>
<p>There’s a ton of misinformation here. The UCs are very anxious to increase the numbest from OOS now because they need the money. As long as you can pay and get in the SAT range you say, great shot.</p>
<p>I think you definitely have a shot at Berkeley even being out of state. That being said, just keep in mind that being a classical dancer may be unusual in your area, but it is actually very, very common around here. Every other Indian girl dances. Have you ever competed? ( I know it depends on the type of dance, but…) Just making sure you are aware of that. Good luck!!!</p>
<p>Your stats are great, so you will have a good chance at Berkeley. And, I heard UCs are accepting more in-states this year (class of 2011), so I don’t know what’s going to happen next year. Cross your fingers, and keep up your grades! Good luck! And chance me back?</p>
<p>For the very first time, I have to agree with Redroses. </p>
<p>Berkeley needs to increase their OOS and International Students admits, so the chances of getting into Berkeley now coming from out-of-state is higher than in-state. </p>
<p>OP, if you can get the SAT scores that you targetted, i think you have a very good shot at Berkeley. And, you are right. The the physical and biological sciences programs at Berkeley some of the most respected programs, if not the most respected program, in the world.</p>