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???
Of course it is possible - but, pretty unlikely. Your ACT is great but, GPA is pretty low. ECs are pretty typical.
http://bap.ucsb.edu/IR/Common_Data_Set/CDS_2014-2015.pdf
Page 9 of their Common Data set shows that about 12% of students accepted last year had a GPA between 3.5 and 3.74
Something like starting a company will set you apart - as will a compelling story about why your grades tanked one year. I encourage you to apply but, understand, you are swimming against the current. Be sure to apply to some schools you are certain will take you.
I’d encourage you to broaden your search - SDSU, CSULB and perhaps UCR are worth a look.
Good luck.
I would NOT apply to UCSB’s CoE with your GPA.
As stated above, your SAT is good but your GPA is going to hold you down. You would have a decent chance getting into UCSB by applying to the College of Letters and Science but your GPA is way too low to have even a decent chance at getting into the school via CoE.