Not sure if I should take the ACT again… I’ve already taken it and the SAT each 3 times. My best act score is a 31, and I’m yet to receive my latest sat score, but my first two didn’t go well. My GPAs (both for cumulative and UC) are between 4.4-4.51. Are these basic stats okay for certain UCs and California colleges?
For sure! A 31 is well within the middle 50 percent even at Berkeley and UCLA. If you think you can get it up to a 33, go for it. But if that’s too much, just stick with it.
In other words, for the UC/CSU system, you’re fine. For other California colleges (private schools like Pomona, USC, Stanford, blah blah) you would have to search their ACT stats individually.
@newkidnewtrix thank you!! I really appreciate that response.
With your stats you will have a high chance at all UC and CSU schools. Of course UCLA and UCB are toss ups for everyone, so we never know for those. Schools like Stanford, Harvey Mudd, and Claremont Mckenna will be reaches with that ACT. I personally like the UC schools way better, but if your goal is to go to Stanford then you may want to take it again. If you have a lot of free time then go for it, but if taking the ACT again will ruin your schedule then just stick with your 31. A 31 is at the 96th percentile, which is very good. https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/NormsChartMCandComposite-Web2015-16.pdf
Thank you! Yeah no I’m not really shooting for Stanford. I mean it’d be cool to get in but I’m not expecting to at all plus to go there would require $$$$$$$$$. :)) @Matthewbeast2018
I wouldn’t say a high chance at all UC’s. My kid had a 33 ACT (one try), tons of EC’s and ended up with a 4.0 unweighted UC gpa, 4.6 weighted uncapped. She was denied at Berkeley.
@tenniswimvball Unfortunately, UCB and UCLA are pretty much toss ups for everyone who applies. The OP has a high chance for other UC schools, but of course UCB and UCLA will be a toss up.
What is your UC GPA capped weighted and Fully weighted? https://rogerhub.com/gpa-calculator-uc/
UC’s are very GPA focused so having a 4.2+ UC GPA will definitely help your chances. Your ACT score is a solid score and within range for all the UC’s but as stated above ^^ the top UC’s are not guaranteed and are always a tough admit.
What is your intended major which can be a big factor in your chances?
EC’s? Essay topics?
Here is an overall perspective on how UC’s review applications:
How applications are reviewed
As we consider each individual application - and rest assured, we do consider each one - we look beyond grades and test scores.
We spend time evaluating your academic achievements in light of the opportunities available to you and your demonstrated capacity to contribute to the intellectual life at UC. The 14 factors we weigh are:
Academic grade point average in all completed “a-g” courses, including additional points for completed UC-certified honors courses.
Scores on the following tests: ACT with Writing or the SAT Reasoning Test.
Number of, content of and performance in academic courses beyond the minimum “a-g” requirements.
Number of and performance in UC-approved honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate Higher Level and transferable college courses.
Identification by UC as being ranked in the top 9 percent of your high school class at the end of your junior year (Eligible in the Local Context, or ELC).
Quality of your senior-year program as measured by the type and number of academic courses in progress or planned.
Quality of your academic performance relative to the educational opportunities available in your high school.
Outstanding performance in one or more specific subject areas.
Outstanding work in one or more special projects in any academic field of study.
Recent, marked improvement in academic performance as demonstrated by academic GPA and the quality of coursework completed or in progress.
Special talents, achievements and awards in a particular field, such as visual and performing arts, communication or athletic endeavors; special skills, such as demonstrated written and oral proficiency in other languages; special interests, such as intensive study and exploration of other cultures; experiences that demonstrate unusual promise for leadership, such as significant community service or significant participation in student government; or other significant experiences or achievements that demonstrate the student’s promise for contributing to the intellectual vitality of a campus.
Completion of special projects undertaken in the context of your high school curriculum or in conjunction with special school events, projects or programs.
Academic accomplishments in light of your life experiences and special circumstances, including but not limited to: disabilities, low family income, first generation to attend college, need to work, disadvantaged social or educational environment, difficult personal and family situations or circumstances, refugee status or veteran status.
Location of your secondary school and residence.
All campuses will weight the criteria differently so apply widely and make sure you have some solid safety schools on your list.