Currently a junior in my second semester. UW Gpa 3.65 and W is 3.94. I’ve taken AP Euro and AP Psych passed both classes with A’s and got 3’s on the exams. I’ve taken a couple college classes as of now and do have some college credits. I’m decent at anything that’s not math or science, bummer I know since anything that’s not math or science is irrelevant. I haven’t taken the SAT but I took the PSAT and got a 1200, it’s out of 1600 now, maybe I’ll do the same on the real thing. I don’t do any sports, I did track and field freshman year and was varsity but I quit. EC wise I’m a member of Interact Club, French Club, Link Crew, Feminist Club, Relay for Life, I’ve been a member of CSF for three years, and my friend and I started Make-A-Wish Club on campus and I’m VP. I’m planning on majoring in Psychology (I know typical), and minoring in French since I’m taking it all four years. What are the chances that if I write a decent essay I could get into UCSB?
While anything is possible, and numbers are only part of the application, I would guess that your numbers are low, you have few AP classes, and you don’t seem to have a lot of leadership (just being a member of a club doesn’t count for much)- here is the typical incoming numbers for 2015: http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/campuses/santa-barbara/freshman-profile/
Admit rate — Overall 32.7%
Admits 23,074
Applicants 70,565
California Residents (% of admits) 75.8%
Averages
High School GPA 4.05
ACT Composite Score 29
SAT Critical Reading 629
SAT Mathematics 665
SAT Writing 643
We were told at the Chancellor’s Reception that they had over 77,000 applicants for 2016- so it was even more competitive- you will most likely have to do better than the 2015 averages. The good news is you have another year to make changes and adjustments. If you haven’t read this: http://admissions.sa.ucsb.edu/applying/freshman/selection you should. Special talents, awards, community service, role in civic organizations would all help. Good luck!
UCSB states that their application review is 50% GPA/Test scores and 50% EC’s and essays. That said, outstanding essays and EC’s can make up for lower than average GPA/Test scores, unfortunately essays especially are very subjective. All anyone can say it is possible since you have a competitive GPA, just make sure the rest of application is just as impressive.
I’m also currently taking AP Lang and AP Bio with two college classes, my gpa weighted was a 4.6 and I think I could do that again this semester, I had a position in French Club last year and Link Crew is supposed to be based on leadership skills. I’m just scared because I’m really not like outstanding or impressive which is what UC are looking for. Guess I’ll be going to community college…
If this is what you want, go for it- you have all summer to dedicate to doing something big that will also make for a good subject for your essays for both school and scholarships- I personally don’t think outstanding is what they want as much as initiative. CC and then a transfer is also smart and a heck of alot cheaper!