Is UCB saying to me that I'm a borderline student?

<p>I received an e-mail today, and this is a portion of what they told me in their Supplemental Freshman Questionnaire:</p>

<p>"We've begun our comprehensive review of your application and are writing to ask you to fill out an online supplemental questionnaire.</p>

<p>Each year we ask a small group of students for additional information to enhance their application. We'd like to learn more about you and your academic experience, particularly in regards to the physical or mental difference, or medical condition you have shared in your application.</p>

<p>We can't emphasize enough that this information can only strengthen your case. It's a unique opportunity to tell us more about your personal path to college without negatively affecting your application. In accordance with applicable privacy and other laws, we assure you that this information will be kept confidential."</p>

<p>What does this mean??? I've done some research and it seems as though I am a borderline student? I hope I still have a chance, this is really scaring me.</p>

<p>Yes, it means you’re borderline, but you definitely still have a chance. A few of my friends got this questionnaire last year. One of them filled it out and sent more information, while the others ignored it. The guy who filled it out was accepted, and the others were rejected. Therefore, I think you should at least send in something to have a good shot at getting in. Good luck.</p>

<p>Basically, this is your chance to prove that you are worthy. For instance, if people cheated to get a high gpa, but got a low sat score, then they can decide whether you really are good enough from the supplemental by listening to your “story”. I know a few people who got it and got in. It’s a good sign!</p>

<p>unless ur offended by them saying your “borderline” : ]</p>

<p>sort of. this is a good thing tho. most people don’t have control of their application. right now your supplement is a make it or break it thing. if you write it well then congrats, if u do a half-assed job well then i think u know what will happen. but how u react now will directly control your admission so its almost like you can decide whether you’re accepted or not</p>

<p>You should capitalize on this opportunity. By getting this e-mail it means that you aren’t one of the students they already rejected (which is great if your stats are below average) nor are you accepted. If you really put your heart and soul into this, it can totally help you get in. I got one today too, by the way! Mine is the one that asks about your school, family, and an optional recommendation. If this is yours too, make sure you don’t do a simple one sentence answer. Really think about everything and try to make is great!</p>

<p>There are three supplements. It kind of depends which one you get as to where you are in the admission pool. My son received one for his talents and he was not a borderline applicant. Either way, it is a great chance for you to really go into specifics Work hard on it and get it in on time. It can only help you. Good luck!</p>

<p>I also received this email. :O</p>

<p>time to show them who’s boss</p>

<p>momfirst3, why would they bother to ask for a supplement if he was not borderline? Just wondering.</p>

<p>I’m not really sure. He did receive some money from Berkeley. Maybe they needed information for that. He was a nationally ranked athlete with a 4.73 weighted GPA (4.0 unweighted) and a 34 ACT. He was also #1 in his class and a National AP Scholar. I don’t think that was borderline, but I guess it could have been??? Oh and his letter didn’t sound anything like the one above. It just asked about specifics regarding his special talent (ie. special awards, time spent practicing, events he participated in and his results, etc. etc. etc.)</p>

<p>Yes. Put ur heart and soul in it. If it’s well-written and you give them a reason to believe u are a special someone who could add to the uniqueness of the campus, then you will be in.</p>

<p>Were all the supplements sent yesterday? I’m a borderline applicant, if I didnt get one does that mean I am rejected?</p>

<p>^ You’re only borderline if you get the supplement. How do you know if you’re a borderline applicant?</p>

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<p>Maybe you’re not as borderline as you think.</p>

<p>Anyone know the time frame in which these e-mails are sent? Is it possible to still expect one?</p>

<p>^ i heard they send the supplement to students between Jan. and Feb. so there’s still some people that will receive it. UGH I can’t believe I basically have a 50-50 chance because of this!! Now there’s more pressure on me…:(</p>

<p>Well it’s certainly better than them deciding to reject you. Good luck with your supplement. Many people would love the chance to prove themselves or provide additional information that would help their admission. I understand your frustration, though.</p>

<p>I’m definitely no sure applicant and I didn’t get this email so this is a good sign for you! Make full use of it. A last hard sprint to the finish.</p>

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<p>Some people who got the borderline questionnaire posted their stats and they are similar to mine. My personal statement was REALLY good and very personal, I looked over my application yesterday and I noticed that I misplaced a comma. I read the website and asked people and they told me that they don’t reject you over a misplaced comma. Are they right? I’m starting to think that is the reason why I didnt get a supplement. I know this might sound stupid but I am FREAKING OUT!
Should I assume I didn’t get in?</p>

<p>^no, that would be a stupid reason to reject you. It’s a holistic review, btw. When adcoms are reading hundreds of essays, by the time they get to yours, they probably wouldn’t even notice a small grammar mistake like that. Content>grammar. </p>

<p>So does anyone know approximately what percent of applicants receive this borderline supplement?</p>