<p>Alright so I'm just about ready to start my college apps, and I just want a few opinions on where I should go. I'm a Latino, California resident and I haven't exactly done my best so far in high school. I hate settling for anything less than what I want, even though I don't always achieve my best. I'm a senior at a private high school, and I'm just wondering if it's worth applying to top colleges or if I should just go to a CC. So here's my stats</p>
<p>GPA:
UC weighted GPA is 3.85
UC unweighted GPA is around a 3.55
Sophmore weighted GPA: 3.83, unweighted: 3.67
Junior weighted GPA: 3.86, unweighted: 3.43
For my first semester Senior year I can most likely get a 3.83 unweighted, 4.33 weighted</p>
<p>SAT I: 1750
SAT II: I'm taking them in November, I'm taking Spanish (Can get a 700), Math IIC (maybe a 650), and Chemistry (Maybe a 600)
ACT: 25 (I'm reatking it)</p>
<p>Volunteer work: About 50 hours so far of community service at various different places
Extracurriculars: Spanish Club
Cross Country
Track and Field
Editor on the School newspaper
California Scholarship Federation</p>
<p>Thinking about the following schools:
UCB
UCLA
UCSD
UCD
UCSB
USC</p>
<p>um...i guess that's about it with stats. Like I said I'm starting my college apps, but I'm not the best writer so I very much doubt I'm going to write an outstanding college application essay. Not really sure what I want to major in, maybe chemistry or engineering. Yea I know it's extremely competitive to get into the college of engineering, so don't remind me. But yea I would like to keep my options open. I've been here before and I'm aware if I'm a "reach" or a "match" at any of these UC's. I know I might be reaching very high, like Berkeley, but I really don't want to settle by going to a CSU or something. With that said, can someone give me some real advice?</p>
<p>Since you live in Cali, try visiting several UC campuses. Get a feel for them, and choose one that you LIKE; maybe you'll find one that you really fit into and can get into easily. Sorry, I don't have any better ideas.</p>
<p>It's cool, at least you actually gave me advice instead of telling me if I'm a "reach" or "match." But yea I love Berkeley not just because of the name (as most people assume), but for other various reasons. yea I have a very slim chance of getting in, but thanks anyways. And I also think there's a few problems by going to a UC school, like I heard most student don't graduate in 4 years.</p>
<p>Yeah, Berkeley's a nice place to be. You might have a better chance just because of your ethnicity...but basically the only thing you can control now are the essays. Just have LOTS of people edit them MANY times.</p>
<p>Yeah thanks for some encouragement, yeah but berkeley already has a substantial amount of latinos. and yea i'll work my best on my essay, but like i said i'm not the best writer.</p>
<p>You do realize you posted on the "what are my chances" thread? So if after all of your posts, if someone tells you you'll get into Cal, will you believe them?</p>
<p>Since you want advice I'll give you some.</p>
<p>I'm sure you've done your homework and know that your stats are not close to what it takes to get into a top UC. I'm sure you also know they can't consider race. So why is your focus on UCs when you would get into a better level of college if you look at those that consider race?</p>
<p>You do go to private school so you might come from a family that can't afford private. If your EFC is $40K, then I understand your wanting a UC. But if it's under $25K, you're crazy.</p>