<p>I am an average student applying to the mid-tier UC's (SB,I,SD)
UC gpa: 3.95
SAT: 1780 (retaking)</p>
<p>What's starting to look like a problem is my lacking extra curricular activities.
I barely have any community service hours ( h<10 )
I'm not in any specially-recognized clubs like NHS
(It's not that I'm lazy, i just never understood how hard it is to get into these schools)</p>
<p>One thing I am dedicated to is fitness, and i spend most of the hours of my day working out when I'm not in school or studying.
I have heard in the past that colleges would rather see one thing you put all of your time into instead of a bunch of different things, but everyone has their own opinion. </p>
<p>How much of an issue will this be for me when application time comes?</p>
<p>Examples of people who have had similar stats to mine and have gotten into these schools would especially help.</p>
<p>ECs do play somewhat of a role in these schools. While it’s not as dramatic of a role as it is at the Ivies, it still comes into play. Also, UCSD is hardly a mid-level UC school anymore. I believe their average GPA accepted is around a 4.1 now, so it’s pretty competitive. That being said, I’d call UCSD a low reach/reach. Irvine and SB would both be match/high matches. Good luck!</p>
<p>same, EC’s shouldn’t matter too much for the UC’s, especially if you are instate.
If you are in CA your GPA might make you Eligible by Local Context (ELC) for the UC’s</p>
<p>I am instate, but unfortunately, i didn’t make elc, even after an appeal =/</p>
<p>Someone from a “chance me” post of mine said UCSD is no chance, UCSB is a reach, and UCI may be accept me with an outstanding essay.
He/She made it seem as if my chances were much lower because of not having EC’s.
But thank you for the replies</p>
<p>You have very similar stats to my sister, who goes to UCSB, so I defiantly think you have a shot there. She didn’t have much community service, but was in NHS, however :/. I’d say bring your SATs up that could outweigh a lack of community service.</p>
<p>ECs are not a big deal at UCs which have a formulaic approach to admissions. Bring your score above 1900 and you should get into some of the mid tier schools.</p>
<p>Hmm I live like in the UCSB campus area. In fact I bike their twice a week for an internship at their engineering department. I work with grad students but I am very familiar with past students from my HS who got into UCSB and their stats are lower than yours ;). At least GPA wise. DO you know what your UC score is? That could REALLY be helpful in determining your chances.</p>
<p>Djokovic:
I have no idea what a UC score is I thought the only thing they calculated was the UC gpa. So enlighten me on it [= how do you calculate it and how would it let me know where i stand?</p>
<p>I’m getting really good feedback everyone! So I know the one thing I need to do now is get a better SAT. Anything else I can do or is everything else too late?</p>