How much would sports help?

<p>Hey guys, Berkeley has been one of my top choices but because I really messed up 10th grade, I'm not really sure at all of my chances at getting in. My SAT score was 2240 but my GPA was 3.59 UW/4.01 W (and weighting by UC standards it is probably more like 3.9-3.95), though HUGE upward trend. </p>

<p>One thing I was wondering is how much the "sport" aspect of it would help. I run cross country/track and I'm pretty sure my times would get me onto the Berkeley team (though if anyone knows anything about the typical times and could post them here it would be very appreciated). My question is, how much would that help? If I contacted the coach, etc. how much could this help me/better my chances at getting in? Thanks a lot!</p>

<p>California</a> Golden Bears - University of California</p>

<p>3.9 and 2240, you have a pretty good chance, especially with the upward trend. But yes, if your track/XC times can get you recruited ("tagged") by their coach, then you would be in for certain. </p>

<p><a href="http://academic-senate.berkeley.edu/committees/pdf_docs_consolidate/Athletics_Admissions_Policy_2006.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://academic-senate.berkeley.edu/committees/pdf_docs_consolidate/Athletics_Admissions_Policy_2006.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>That describes the role of athletics in admission to Berkeley.</p>

<p>If you're a recruited athlete, it will help. If not, it won't other than it's an extracurricular that you're passionate about, just like many other successful high school athletes.</p>

<p>good luck, i'm sure you'll end up somewhere great :)</p>

<p>Thanks for the responses, I tried finding the track link for the times (the cross country times can vary as every course is different) but couldn't seem to find it or it didn't load for some reason. Does anyone happen to have that link?</p>

<p>Also, I was wondering if there was anyone who would know what type of times would get the coach to take a look at you/better your chances at getting into the school. Thanks a lot!</p>

<p>what are your events/PRs?</p>

<p>You could also check into whether there is any club running- I know club coaches can submit an extra request to admissions and club coaches can allow you to submit letter of rec, etc, so your app gets more info for a more thorough review. Thye don't have the pull of varsity recruitment, but they can give you a "tip" in admissions to have you get a second look</p>

<p>I run distance track, so basically the 800, 1600 and 3200 (~half mile, mile, 2 mile). My PRs are:</p>

<p>800 - 2:19
1600 - 5:07
3200 - 11:04</p>

<p>I know people with slower PRs than those who are on the team, but I was wondering how much those could help me.</p>

<p>Not good enough to be a tagged runner, I don't think.</p>