I am taking 4 AP classes, i am also in a few clubs and planning to attend science olympiad, but i have a bad psat score of 1070, what preparations can i start making for sat and how can i raise my chances of getting into UCI?
Just keep practicing on SAT or ACT questions and figure out what topics you need to focus on. Khan Academy has free online quizzes for the SAT and you can see if you got the question wrong right away.
Here is the UC GPA (capped weighted) and SAT ranges for UCI to target. Your chances it will also depend upon intended major.
2019 UC capped weighted GPA averages along with 25th-75th percentile range:
UCI: 4.13 (4.00-4.25)
2019 Data:
25th - 75th percentiles for SAT totals:
UCI: 1250-1510
UC GPA calculator: https://rogerhub.com/gpa-calculator-uc/
What is your PSAT breakdown?
If affordable, get some one on one tutoring to help raise your scores. Kahn Academy is a good place to start prepping for the SAT. Also consider the ACT since some students do better on one test vs. the other.
Here is some information on how UCI reviews Freshman applicants. Please consider several options and do not fixated on one particular school. As a California resident, there are so many good schools in which you can apply so do some research, find out your college budget, keep an open mind, do some school visits and you will end up of a school that is a good fit be it UCI or another school.
- IRVINE
- Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Extracurricular activities, Level of applicant's interest, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores, Talent/ability, Volunteer work, Work experience
- Important: Character/personal qualities, Class rank
- Considered: First generation college student, Geographical residence, State residency
- Note: Demonstrated record of academic preparation, educational engagement, talent and skills important.
- Freshman Selection: UCI admits into the University first and then into the major. In the case that UCI is unable to accommodate all qualified applicants in their first-choice major, those students who indicate a valid alternate major may be offered admission in that major or Undeclared.
My PSAT is 540 for the English part and 530 for the math part. I am planning on a biology major as of now. My GPA with 4 AP classes is about 4.2 or higher. As for EC, i am not doing any so far, i don’t know if clubs count, but if they do i am in 4 clubs and often volunteer to help with everything, i plan to start volunteering over the summer of 2020. I will be a first-generation college student. Any more advice please?
UC GPA needs to be calculated at the end of Junior year to give you a more accurate gauge on your chances.
Clubs do count but it is better to have a long term commitment in 1-2 clubs vs. many. Also community service/volunteering preferably in your intended field of study is helpful but you are getting a late start as a Junior.
First generation will also be helpful but my best advice is to continue doing well academically, challenge yourself and get involved in something you enjoy and not for the sake of getting into one particular college.
do you have any recommendations for community service or volunteering? i want to try and start asap but i cant go anywhere that’s too far because we only have 1 car and my mom takes that everyday
My older son was interested in pursuing an Enviromental Science degree, so he volunteered in cleaning up a wildlife canyon area near our home. The recyclables collected during his cleanup helped fund “Pack it in, Pack it out” signs to serve as a reminder to individuals visiting the area.
What are your career plans with a Biology degree?
Ok thank you very much 
Is there a hospital, retirement home, Animal shelter, park nearby where you can volunteer some time?
yes there is a hospital that’s like a 10 minute walk from where i am and easy to get to, i will try there and see if i have any luck there. thanks for your help:)