<h2>I apologize in advance if this is the wrong section to post this.</h2>
<p>Well, here's my story:
I've got a sister who attended UCSD and another sister who attended UCLA. I've always looked up to them and wanted to follow their path and attend UCSD or UCLA. So I got through school, straight A's taking all the hardest classes offered at my school. I always assumed I would get accepted into UCSD or UCLA because my academics were better than my siblings. They were average students(no crazy extra curriculars, sports, or academics honestly. This was during the time UC's were pretty much accepting everyone). I was always the top of my class and, as stupid as it sounds now, believed that was all that mattered. By the time the end of my junior year came, I started my college search. Then I saw so many AMAZING students posting up their profiles looking to be chanced for these UCs and saw their outrageously high SATs and unique extra curriculars. I couldn't even compare to them. So now, after being rejected from numerous internships this summer, I have pretty much lost my chance of getting into one of these schools.</p>
<p>Basically, I've been pursuing UCLA and UCSD my whole life. But now, I know my chance of getting into either of these schools is incredibly slim. I know this sounds insane, but I still want to apply. I feel like it would just give me peace of mind to hear from them. Of course applications are $70 each, but I feel like it would be worth it. Am I crazy?</p>
<p>I just don't want to spend the rest of my life wondering if maybe I could have gotten in because even if the chance is EXTREMELY small, there's always that tiny, tiny, tiny possibility I could have been accepted.</p>
<p>So, now I'm asking if anyone has ever regretted not applying to a specific college, if they still wonder if they could have gotten in. Because I don't know if it's worth it to still apply.</p>
<p>Whoever takes the time to read my post, thanks. I'm just looking for a little guidance.</p>
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<p>Side Note: I'm not afraid to get rejected. Like I was saying, receiving the rejection would just give me peace of mind.</p>
<p>If you apply and pay the $70 you’d KNOW. Everything now is just speculation. I;ve met students who got into Stanford, and Ivies with 500-range scores on two sections of the SAT. I would apply and see what happens. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Good luck.</p>
<p>How do you know your chance of getting into UCSD and UCLA is slim? My neighbor told me her kid did not have perfect grade and he got into UCSD this year. Just apply and see.</p>
<p>For years, I regretted not applying to a particular Ivy. I had been discouraged by my GC (a wise older man, very knowedgeable.) As it turned out, I grew up to be the sort of person who would have thrived there. I was sorry I never gave the school the chance to even reject me- in effect, I rejected myself. Go for it.</p>
<p>Why is your chance now incredibly slim just becase you didn’t get internships this summer? Is that just jitters talking? Or, would an internship have been your only activity of substance? Forget how impressive kids on CC make themselves seem- they are not adcoms.</p>
<p>Btw, in my case, one day I realized that not only had I not applied, I’d never even gotten info from the school, visited, or even seen a photo (back in the days before web info.) My dream was based on some college guide. Hah. So, examine your dreams of those UCs; see how much is really about fit and empowerment- versus following your sisters’ footsteps.</p>
<p>Remember, CC does not represent real life. The UCs are public schools, and as such, they are obligated to try to educate California’s best and brightest, regardless of their economic circumstances. The vast majority of students that go to UCLA or UCSD weren’t crazy 4.999 kids with a 2400. They were great students in high school, but not necessarily Harvard material (though I know a few exceptions). If you truly want to go to these schools, apply and see what happens.</p>
<p>But to reply to your question, the one school I regret not applying to is Macalaster. It had basically everything I wanted in a school, but because it was in Minnesota, I decided not to apply (even though I ended up applying to the University of Minnesota ). However; I’m in love with the school that come August, I’ll be attending, so it’s all good.</p>
<p>Going back to answer lookingforward, an internship would pretty much be the only thing I could list as an EC. Ive been in the student council all 3 years of high school, 4 years my senior year, but thats about it. I’m not the best at sports so I don’t think mentioning 2 JV sports would help me haha. I have a mere 10 volunteer hours from a local marathon(they raised the local volunteer age limit to 18 so I can’t volunteer by myself, and no adult wanted to accompany me). And I’ve got the basic CSF, NHS, ELC recognition, and a senior award for maintaining an overall GPA of 4.0+. Not the best looking profile.</p>
<p>But despite all this, I’ll probably end up applying anyway. You guys are right, there’s no way of knowing unless you try. I really appreciate your input, it gave me little more hope haha. I guess all there is for me to do is try to raise my SAT.</p>
<p>Letspek, you’re really beating yourself up right now. Remember, the UCs have an obligation to educate the top 12% of CA students. They determine this eligibility based on grades and SATs. Sure extracurriculars are nice, but they aren’t as essential for admission, as say a school like Harvard. As a fellow CA resident, I know plenty of recent graduates headed off to the top UCs. For the most part, they did the standard stuff in high school; NHS, a few years of a sport, maybe one or two clubs, etc. They weren’t out curing cancer in some remote part of Nigeria. They mostly spent their time just being good all around students.</p>
<p>For your sake, get off College Confidential and enjoy the rest of your summer.</p>
<p>I often find that kids have a little more they do- they often think the misc things are just not important enough to list- but they can be. Just think about that. JV sports are fine to include, if you stuck with them, over time. And, you can go out tomorrow and volunteer somewhere- at this point, something directly with the needy will show the best. Maybe vol at a soup kitchen, thrift shop, etc, the sorts of places that always need help. A job counts, too.</p>
<p>Apply, and don’t compare yourself to others here. Sports - definitely put the JV sports if they were important to you and things that you dedicated time to. Yes, broaden your list to give yourself a safety that you can also love, but definitely apply.</p>
<p>Apply, but not with the mindset of putting the dream to rest. You are probably quite qualified, and need to apply as if you believe you can get in. DO IT!</p>
). However; I’m in love with the school that come August, I’ll be attending, so it’s all good.</p>