<p>I was waitlisted at ucsb and am going to appeal. I was wondering if anyone has successfully appealed to ucsb, and if they can give a few helpful pointers.</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>In the past, UCSB has received a high number of appeals (greater than 1,000 I believe) with very little overturns (less than 100). Statistics vary year to year so it’s hard to gauge your chances based on that. What you need for a successful appeal is new and compelling information. This cannot be stressed enough. In order for your appeal to have merit you must demonstrate that you are a greater candidate than was presented in your application.</p>
<p>Many students fail to do this and, therefore, most of the appeals UCSB receives are simply pleading cases. So if you can provide new information about yourself, your chance of the decision being overturned is much greater.</p>
<p>I do not personally know anyone who has appealed to UCSB, but I do know of some who have had their decisions overturned at Davis, Irvine, San Diego, and even Berkeley (I’ve yet to meet someone who has has a successful appeal at UCLA hah). What seems to be popular grounds for an overturn is a personal hardship, whether it’s a family, medical, or any sort of special circumstance (I know someone who appealed based on his moving to America in his sophomore year and was admitted).</p>
<p>Be sure not to focus on the circumstance so much but, rather, how it has shaped you and how, despite the challenging obstacles it has given you, you have overcome it and matured from the experience. I hope this helps you in your appeal letter. Good luck!</p>
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