UCs take your 10-11th grade gpas and these are the years I really messed up. Yes I took some AP classes(bio,euro) and I didn’t fail any classes I just got a few C’s. I want to apply as a business major(management specifically) but the it’s impacted of course . I know I most likely won’t get into these schools but I have a fee waiver for up to 4 UCs. Lastly I’m a rising senior.
•10-11th cumulative WEIGHTED -3.1
•10-11th cumulative UNWEIGHTED-2.9
Also this isn’t in UC GPA format.
•New SAT score- 1300/1600. Will retake.
•ACT score- 28 . Will retake.
My ECs
•basketball, lacrosse(1 year) •cross country/track (1 year)
•ecommerce jewelry business
•community service hours (15). I will get this up.
Should I mention my ecommerce business and how I've made it a success since I'm applying as a business major?
Do UCs use weighted or unweighted?
Let's say used my unweighted 2.9 GPA I would then have to do admission by examination? How sure would my chances be then if I managed to get a near perfect score?
I think somewhere in my personal statement I should talk about why I got Cs in those particular classes due to lack of discipline/studying. In order to redeem myself could I say that a business has helped me in that aspect?
One of the classes I got a C in was math. Should I take a math based SAT instead of retaking the standard one?
The minimum UC GPA required to just apply to any UC is a 3.0 for in-state applicants, 3.4 for OOS but the average for 6 of the 9 UC campuses are 4.0+. UC Merced average UC GPA last year was 3.67, UC Riverside 3.77 and UC Santa Cruz is a 3.88. You can see your GPA will be a major hurdle to over come even with excellent test scores.
UCB/UCLA/UCSD and UCSB are not likely unless you have a valid reason for the low GPA. Addressing your low GPA may help, but putting your time and energy into your business and not into your academics may be a little late since Senior grades are not considered in the UC admission decisions and no way to show you have turned things around.
If you have a fee waiver for 4 UC’s, I would at least use 1-2 toward some of the more realistic campuses such as UC Merced or Riverside. There is no harm in applying to a few Reaches as long as you recognize they are Reaches.
Admission by examination is an option, but it does not make up for a low GPA. It is usually used to fulfill an a-g course requirement not low grades.
UC’s accept either SAT or ACT and will take the highest score from one sitting.
Some UC’s do recommend SAT 2 subject tests, so taking a subject test in Math can help show you have mastered the material but in the end it is better to have a good grade in the class vs. the test.
I wish you good luck and if you are in-state, you should consider some of the Cal states that have very good business programs as an option.
I am not looking to crush your dreams but, that is really unlikely, unless you have a hook (like recruited athlete). I am not suggesting you not apply but, have a realistic fallback.
Take a look at CSUs like Chico, Sonoma, SJSU, Sac, San Marcos and maybe Fullerton. They all have solid business programs and should be within your reach.
Did you have a junior year meeting with your guidance counselor? If you’re in California, your GC should have shown you what kind of GPA is required to have a shot at any of the UCs. Many Cal State business programs are terrific but if you have your heart set on a UC then you could focus on finding a good community college and plan to transfer.
But be honest with yourself about what kind of grades you can get in community college. It might be a lot better and a lot less stressful to fall in love with a great Cal State program and have four years at one university rather than being stressed about keeping up a high enough community college gpa to get a UC transfer spot.
Looking at employment outcomes for your field, business management, you can do just as well at a Cal State. You may find that your entrepreneurial spirit and accomplishments are better appreciated at the Cal States, resulting in better recommendations, internships, etc. I know the programs at SJSU and Chico would definitely appreciate you.