How holistic is UCLA really?

<p>Now UCLA states that its admissions are holistic meaning they look at all parts of an applicant, but from what I heard UCLA is very numbers heavy. I was just wondering because I am a typical Asian with above average numbers (2180, 3.91 UW) and pretty weak EC's. I was just wondering if should be considering UCLA as a fairly solid match, or a potential reach for me? Given just my numbers?</p>

<p>I’d say UCLA is still more numbers based than holistic. You have a good shot.</p>

<p>(None of the nation’s publics are actually that holistic because admissions standards are all quite low.)</p>

<p>I had a 4.0UW and a 4.3W GPA, but very very VERY crap test scores but a lot of ECs. And I got in. So yes, I really do believe it is holistic.</p>

<p>^Your GPA probably carried a lot of weight, but yeah it’s possible that extra-curriculars or other interesting things about you pulled the weight of bad test scores.</p>

<p>Given just your numbers you have a pretty good chance, but you should still aim to strengthen your ECs and general application this year.</p>

<p>ECs are the most reversible part of your application. Your numbers and scores are decent. Why not strengthen your ECs? UCLA is indeed holistic but unweighted GPA is still the biggest single number on your application. You can’t change a bad grade once you earn it, but you can change a poor EC resume by going out and doing interesting things. You still have a ton of time.</p>

<p>This year they specifically said they did a hollistic overview and all. They didn’t use numbers that strictly this time.</p>

<p>Well I’m a senior next year, and I only finally got around to volunteering at the Hospital of UPenn right now, but I’ll only be able to accumulate 40-50 hours. I dont think I have much time to stack anymore EC’s… doesnt help that my dad wouldnt let me get a job this summer…</p>