I know this is a "general UC question but I've got to ask here:

Colleges & Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
1

<p>Do you think the "OH MY GOD, DRAMATIC UC acceptance rate drop" is exaggerated? I'm applying to UCLA, Cal, UCSD, and UCSB (1990 SAT (retaking), 3.93 UC GPA, 3.75 UW GPA, 4.4 W GPA, a million honors classes, okay ECs) as a freshman this fall and I gotta say I'm extremely intimidated by everyone saying that the UCs are becoming way more selective. I just saw someone with similar stats to me have UCSD get listed as a REACH! I always considered it more of a safety.</p>

<p>Oh well, I guess I have no control over it. But I'd still like some input about this. I'm concerned</p>

2

<p>I had slightly higher stats and barely got in (spring admit) Berkeley and rejected from UCLA. Unless you have some life disaster, I can only wish you luck. IF YOU DID have some life disaster or turning moment or some such, WRITE ABOUT IT IN YOUR ESSAY.</p>

<p>DON"T JUST MENTION IT IN PASSING. WRITE A WHOOOLLEEE ESSAY ON IT.</p>

3

<p>your gpa is pretty low for a Berkeley attempt</p>

4

<p>The SAT score is quite low when viewed with your GPA.</p>

<p>You can definitely get in when those SATs and SAT IIs are up. In fact, I got in with a GPA comparable to yours so just study up for those SATs.</p>

5

<p>UC GPA annoys me because this year and last year combined, I have more than twice the AP/Honors semesters you can add (18). I'm hoping they regard rigor as very important.</p>

<p>Golden Bear: Oh good! for some reason I always thought you were one of those people with like 4.28 UC GPA. That's encouraging. If you don't mind me asking, what were your SATs and SAT IIs?</p>

6

<p>2300 SAT
35 ACT
800 Math 2C
800 US Hist</p>

7

<p>......damn</p>

8

<p>oh yeah, I've never had anything exciting happen in my life except some family problems (which I wouldn't go into my dad being an ass on the application because it would sound way too whiny). My brother's autistic, which has been hard on him, my mom, and me... but I don't know how to work that into an application. I HATE BEING OUT OF STATE</p>

9

<p>haha you know wat u need just yeah work on SAT. how about ur extracurriculars? sports, clubs, other things are good as well... there are plenty of people w/ high GPA/SAT, u need to stand out ^_^</p>

10

<p>I think you have a good shot. i got in with:
3.9 UC GPA
1700 SAT</p>

<p>but then again, i got spring admit. good luck! :)</p>

11

<p>srabiee- having an autistic sibling is quite a life challenge- if you can write about what you learned from the experience (more empathy? more sensitivity towards those who are differently able?); challenges your family has overcome...</p>

<p>if you can spin it to the positive aspects it might come off less whiny...</p>

12

<p>yeah, I got in with a 3.5 GPA, so don't stress!</p>

13

<p>To the people that got in with < 2000 SAT score and < 4.0 GPA, did you guys have extraordinary EC's. Also, what major did you choose?</p>

14

<p>I have less than average stats (30 ACT 4.0 reg W GPA) but an extensive music background playing in college orchestras, concert halls as a soloist, school orchestra, school fundraisers, etc. I applied for music and got in for Fall.</p>

15

<p>3.73 UC GPA
2040 SAT
Reg. Admission to Berkeley, but rejected from UCLA
Mechanical Engineering</p>

<p>I did a UC Summer Program twice (COSMOS). Once at Davis and once at UCSD. It probably helped a lot.</p>

16

<p>To make you feel better -</p>

<p>OOS
4.2ish UC GPA
30 ACT/2030 SAT
680 Lit and US His
College of E. Design</p>

<p>It isn't hopeless. Just compose strong essays.</p>

17

<p>haloraider,</p>

<p>3.9 UC GPA
1700 SAT
530 Math/ 470 History</p>

<p>My E.C. were average (in my opinion) . I had 200+ community service hours. COSMOS alumni. First generation college student. And other clubs and school newspaper.</p>

<p>I applied for the major of psychology, but i got Spring...so..
Admitted to the college of letters and science</p>

18

<p>well i had a 4.0 uw and a 1970 SAT1 with a 28 ACT composite.. i got into every UC except for berkeley i got spring =T</p>

19

<p>There has been a big statistical drop in the SAT since the new test was introduced, so expect a higher focus on GPA. Mine was a 4.2 UC GPA, but my SATs didn't break 2000 (750 and 740 on SAT II though). I also played 2 year-round sports and graduated with 6 varsity letters, so academic athletes tend to have an edge...did I mention I'm Mexican? Hm. =/</p>

20

<p>I'm starting to feel screwed. I'm half persian, but they probably don't care.</p>