I’m transferring this fall. I’m majoring in Economics. I had several B’s before last semester, but I managed to get a 3.7 overall. I found my dad passed away on the couch the day I was supposed to take a final for my spring semester for freshman year. I took summer courses to take the focus off of it and managed to get all A’s, raising my GPA to a 3.7. It REALLY affected me last semester and I got 1 A, and the rest B’s. I’m on track to get all A’s this semester (17 units), but I’m afraid this would ultimately strike me out to transferring to UCLA. I used my dad’s death for one of the topics in my college apps. Counselors & essay editors told me that the essay was incredibly moving and sensitive, but that wouldn’t really help me in my situation right? I looked up UCLA’s 25 to 75% admit range and it was in the 3.8-4.0 range.
If your counselors thought those were good essays, then they might just be able to get you in at UCLA. That school holistically evaluates its applicants. Don’t lose hope just yet.
That huge tragedy that will be taken into consideration, I think. Moreover, its more important to show them how you progress and overcome the difficulties you faced. Keep up good work and good luck.
UCLA is a takes a holistic approach-- a 3.5 with ECs or good essays may well beat out a 3.8 with no EC and bad essays