<p>You definitely qualify for UC based on scores alone. That guarantees you to Merced, but likely you would be admitted to Riverside, perhaps Santa Cruz. You NMS should open some doors. With applications requiring just a few keyboard clicks and a check for 50-80 dollars, I don’t see any reason not to apply to as many schools as you have time to write essays for. Considering the investment in the next 4 years, the application fees are insignificant. Nothing wrong with pursuing personal contacts, they are a major component of Ivy admissions.</p>
<p>And congratulations on the German score! Sehr Gut!</p>