If I get a request for a Letter of Recommendation does that mean I am on the border?

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

Doesn’t this mean the UC Berkeley admissions office need something extra and is not sure whether to accept/deny me? One of the smartest kids in my schools also got this email so I am not sure. But does getting this email at least mean that you are less likely to be rejected?

2

According the UCB website, it is a random sampling, although many of the posts have indicated that High stat applicants are being asked for LOR’s. If you were a borderline applicant, I would think that you would also ask for Senior mid-year grades along with LOR’s.

3

Berkeley retreated partly for this fall and probably will invite letters from just 20% or so of this year’s applicants, mainly those whose prospects are between certain acceptance and rejection, according to Papadopoulos, a mechanical engineering professor. got this from an article, does it mean that its for borderline students? But then again, some of the top students at my schools with 2300 SAT and 4.0 got LORs… @Gumbymom

4

I don’t think it’s a random sampling. Common sense tells me it’s for borderline applicants - they want to accept you but just need a few more reason(s) to give you that “yes”. It’s definitely good news. They would only ask for more info if they’re taking an applicant very seriously.

5

I am a borderline student and I received this. I really hope it’s a good sign and not random.

6

I can’t imagine why they would do it as a random sampling. Makes no sense to ask someone they are sure of accepting or rejecting…It does make sense to ask someone on the border where they want more information to make a decision. So I would take it as a good sign that you are still in the running. However, I’m guessing that they can’t accept everyone they asked for a letter from, even if they are all amazing letters. So, it’s certainly not a guarantee.

7

I really hope it’s not random since I’m a borderline student.

8

Do you think choice of major could play a role as well?

9

I don’t know. I picked Engineering (undecided).

10

Definitely for engineering schools

11

@student4200 not to scare you but that’s the most competitive major at Berkeley, even more so than eecs

12

@student4200
Do you mind providing your stats?

13

I’m a borderline student as well and applied to Physics at L&S. I got the email too

14

You may want to look at this thread:

http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-berkeley/1835844-uc-berkeley-requested-letters-of-rec-p1.html