Desperate-What can I do to get into UCLA?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I'm a Korean International student who is currently attending a small private high school in Texas.
I'm a sophomore, and I'm determined to pursue a film career. My dream/goal is to get into UCLA.
While UCLA may not be the most prestigious school in the States, I am well aware that it is a highly selective school and that only 20% or so of the applicants are accepted.</p>

<p>However, when it comes to having a shiny, classy resume, I'm afraid I'm very behind.
Last year, I went to a school in Pennsylvania. They completely messed up my schedule (I had to take US History in 9th grade, and they wouldn't let me take any honors classes.)
and now I'm taking one Pre-AP class (English) and I'm quite behind in my other subjects. I'm taking Geometry this year (which is apparently the 'normal' math class for a 10th grader, not advanced at all) , and I'm doubling up in Bio and Chem because the school I'm at now has different graduation requirements in the science department.
Basically, the classes I've taken in 9th grade and the ones I'm taking in 10th grade are average (not foundations or anything, just average) and I'm worried that my taking no AP classes in 9th or 10th grade will give me a severe disadvantage.
My grades are good, I've never gotten anything below a 90 in my life and my gpa last year was a 3.88, unweighted.</p>

<p>So basically, I'm a sophomore but all of the classes I'm taking are very average and not advanced.
I've heard most students who are accepted into the good colleges are taking like 12 AP courses.
My school offers 13, but I doubt I'll be able to take more than 4 before graduation, considering my current position.
As an international student, summer school won't be an option for me as I'll be returning to korea every summer.
My extracurriculars are OK but not amazing whatsoever.
I'm trying out for the school bowling team next week, I'm planning on being in the school musical/play productions for 10th, 11th, and 12th grade, and I'm in a few other insignificant clubs besides.
I speak 4 languages (Korean, English, Chinese, and French.)
I've taken SAT practice tests multiple times and I've gotten about 700 in reading and 750 in writing. As for math, I haven't taken Algebra 2 yet so we'll get to that, but I'm certain I'll get at least a 650~700.</p>

<p>Long story short, would it be ridiculous if I wanted to go to UCLA with 4 AP classes and 5 or so honors classes, sufficient service hours (my school requires 100 for graduation but I'll be doing more than that) and extracurriculars? I have a passion for acting, so I'm in Drama Club and I'll be auditioning for all future productions (I am 100% certain that I'll get at least a minor-major roll in each one.) and I'd like to show them that I am very passionate when it comes to Theatre, Drama, and Film. </p>

<p>Do I stand a chance, or will they shake their heads and laugh at my application?</p>

<p>My mother says I could apply to UCSD and transfer to UCLA if I don't get into UCLA, but I'm not sure if I'm even qualified for UCSD. As a non-US citizen, I don't know what my chances are or what I can do to improve them.
If my chances are low, what can I do? Please help!</p>

2

<p>Oh, and if UCLA is out of the question, would I be able to get into ANY of the UCs? I just really want to go to a UC school.</p>

3

<p>Are your parents able to pay for OOS fees in California?</p>

<p>That’s one hurdle.</p>

<p>What are your safeties?</p>

<p>Your post demonstrates multiple extremes and you need to get back on the ground.
UCLA rejects some of the best candidates, so no one can guarantee whether you will get in: </p>

<p>Were you serious when you asked about not being admitted?:</p>

<p><<<<<or will="" they="" shake="" their="" heads="" and="" laugh="" at="" my="" application?="">>>>>
Most US universities take admissions very seriously and would not demonstrate this level of immaturity, I’m assuming it is because of your self esteem issues.</or></p>

4

<p>Financial issues are not a problem for me.
The biggest problem is getting in.
And I do not seriously think they will laugh at my application, but I am very worried about being rejected.
While the UCs are my goal, I’m obviously willing to look at lower-ranking schools if the UCs prove to be impossible to get into.</p>

5

<p>just on the film interest also look at: NYU, USC, Chapman (EXCELLENT up and coming school in film)</p>

6

<p>Thanks! I’ll definitely look into those schools, NYU was on my list but I didn’t know much about USC or Chapman.</p>

7

<p>USC is a better film school choice than UCLA. Although both are close to the film industry. USC has production. I think you have good chances at UCLA.</p>

8

<p>Thank you. After a little bit of research, I’ve found out that USC would be slightly less competitive than UCLA and would be a good school to add to my list.</p>

9

<p>Take a look at Syracuse, the film school is good and not too hard to get into.</p>