How much will a low ACT score hurt me?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hello, I was wondering how much of a chance I had at the top 2 UCs, (UC Berkeley + UCLA). My biggest worry is over my ACT score:</p>

<p>C: 29</p>

<p>E: 26
M: 33
R: 31
S: 27</p>

<ul>
<li>4.58 W GPA/ 3.98 UW GPA (4.33 capped UC GPA) </li>
<li>ELC status </li>
<li>Class Rank 10/408 (fairly competitive high school) </li>
<li>720 on Math II and 740 on Bio M</li>
</ul>

<p>Just based on academics, how much of a chance do I have? Applying under Computer Engineering in UCLA and Computer Science BA in Berkeley.</p>

2

<p>your sat 2s are good & so are your other stats so I think it will cover for your low act.</p>

3

<p>I don’t think it will hurt you too much, the rest of your application is rather strong. That being said don’t forget admissions is holistic and your ECs need to be strong as well. Also have you tried the SAT?</p>

4

<p>I think it will hurt a fair amount. Your GPA is solid and it appears you have taken a difficult courseload. I think they’ll be a bit bothered by the 27 Science score (though you did well on the Bio subject test). If you’ve taken several science/math APs, and have scored well, it should help your standing. If you’re instate, I think you have a good chance. OOS may be a slight reach, or a high match at best.</p>

5

<p>You’re in! Your gpa is good :)</p>

6

<p>Just saying, UC’s mostly focus on GPA and SAT’s, HOWEVER, they do focus on your GPA more. So, just by saying that, you’re already shoe in because your GPA is over the 75th percentile. Plus your ACT score isn’t THAT bad, I would suggest to get a 30 or 31 just to be safe tho, but if I were you, I wouldn’t really be worried lol.
Please chance back? Ty :smiley:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1437616-hi-chance-me-following-colleges-please.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1437616-hi-chance-me-following-colleges-please.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

7

<p>Thanks everyone for the input!!!</p>

<p>To add a bit of info, I’m currently a senior so I unfortunately will not be able to retake the ACT in time for application review. (I did take the SAT, but my score conversion was about the same as my ACT). However, I AM a California resident so hopefully that should help me a little. </p>

<p>Also, the school I go to only offers I.B courses (the only AP class is Calculus, which I took) and I am on course to receiving my I.B Diploma.</p>

<p>Any more thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!</p>

8

<p>Dont know if its true, but i have always heard that standardized tests are a way to control grade inflation (as in high GPA but low ACT/SAT means your school inflates grades)
can anyone confirm/ invalidate this?</p>

9

<p>Your ACT score isn’t that low
You’ll be fine
The average at UCB and UCLA is 30 so you’re not far off</p>

10

<p>The low ACT score is honestly due to my own failure to study. I put off taking standardized tests until my Junior year and I didn’t actually take the ACT until my senior year. Really stupid of me to do, considering the I.B program (especially 11th + 12th) at my school is VERY time-consuming and difficult. Therefore, I had little time to actually study for these tests :/</p>

<p>However, does anyone know if UCs look at the competitiveness + difficulty of your school?</p>

11

<p>^^^
Yes they do.</p>

12

<p>Thanks for the response!</p>

<p>Any other views on my chances?</p>

13

<p>I think you’re fine, considering the rest of your application is good</p>

14

<p>^ Thanks for the chances</p>

<p>I’ve also decided to apply to UMichigan and RHIT (Rose Hulman). I am thinking of applying under Engineering in UMichigan, and Rose is a STEM school.</p>

<p>Based off my academic profile, anyone know what my chances would be for those schools? (Keep in mind that I will be an out of state applicant for Michigan and Rose as I live in California).</p>

<p>P.S - Not sure if this will matter, but my cumulative weighted gpa went up to 4.622 after 1st semester senior grades.</p>

15

<p>Any more input?</p>