I have always wanted to go to UCSB and I plugged in my weighted GPA which comes out 3.55(I slipped really bad in 10th grade) with an act of 32… I have also been part of DECA(3 years), volleyball (2years), intern for a IT consulting firm, ATDP student (2 years)… However, my Main concern is that I look extremely generic… What if I take a chance and start a company, do you think that raises my chances of getting in for computer engineering??? Or what else should I do that would make myself gain higher chances of getting into the UCSB??? And taking subject test for classes I messed up in 10th grade be a way to show improvement??
Your ACT is competitive but GPA is low since the average is 4.19 (UC GPA) for the current year. UCSB’s application review is based on about 50% GPA/Test scores and 50% EC’s and essays. Your EC’s and essays are areas in which you can work on and improve. Starting a company would definitely boost your chances and also pay attentiion to writing some amazing essays. UCSC recommends SAT Math 2 and a Science subject test if pursuing Engineering, so showing proficiency on these exams should also help. Good Luck.