Hey,
So I had my heart set on UCSC for a while now and I was crushed when I found out I got rejected today. I would appreciate if you guys can take the time to review my appeal and say if there is any chance of getting an appeal. Here are some of my stats:
UC GPA: 3.3
Act: 29
EC’s: Badminton 4 years, Varsity last 2 years; Band/Marching band 4 years, Section Leader this year; 3rd Language at Sunday school; 7 years of piano; Treasurer at school chess club
I’m appealing on the basis that I can show that I’m serious on working hard and achieving my potential. Based on the UCSC website the 3 criteria they look at for appealing is 1) 1st semester senior year grades, 2) Recommendation letters, and 3) senior courseload. Last semester (1st semester senior year) I got a 3.8 GPA weighted, with 3 Ap classes. My previous grades also show an upward trend in my grades, but this would be my biggest GPA jump so far. I can also get 2 letters of recommendations from my teacher I had for 2 years (AP U.S. history and California History this year) or my Ap Econ/Gov teacher. (I don’t know which 1 to choose, so I would appreciate some advice on who to pick. I got an A on all these classes if that helps). For senior courseload, I have 4 AP’s: Bio, stats, and Econ/Gov (1 semester each). I am also planning on taking all 4 of these AP tests in May.
I would really appreciate it if I can get some tips on improving my appeal as well as the chances of me getting my appeal through. I really want to attend UCSC, not just because of the academics and location, but also because 3 of my best friends are attending there, while the best college I got accepted to so far is UC Riverside.
-Thanks!
I would structure your appeal letter so you address each of the criteria that UCSC lists in their appeal recommendation. Perhaps have section headings for each of the appeal criteria. Good luck!
Sorry to hear you got rejected, UC’s are crazy competitive these days. Riverside is a great school though! Did you apply to any CSU’s?
As for chancing you, I’d say appeals are almost impossible to predict, since we don’t know student yield. I’d say definitely go for it since there is no risk.
For your appeal:
Do you have any compelling EC changes? Maybe you started doing another activity, or you got an award? A lot of times just grade increases might not be enough, although if they are your strongest points, make sure to highlight them.
Spend some time and make it interesting and well written, but most importantly, make it clear, concise and easy to understand. Admissions officers are tired after a long app season, they don't want to have to search long and hard through an appeal essay to find tangible information.
Most importantly, (and we can't really help you answer this) you have to prove to them that you are a great fit for their campus and their campus is a great fit for you. This is not something that can really be answered on the general UC app, so it would add something extra. Maybe a program, maybe environment, some area of the campus or research you think you could contribute to?
Please don't be disheartened if you appeal is unsuccessful. Unfortunately the odds are tough (but entirely beatable), and remember, everything happens for a reason. One school is not the be all end all, and you already have one solid UC in the bag.
@QwertyuiopPro Thanks for the advice!. Yeah I realize my odds of a successful appeal is low (like 50/300 got it last year) so I’ve kinda set my sights to Riverside or University of Arizona so I won’t be so upset if I get rejected again. If i get in, awesome. If I don’t, it’s fine i guess. But no harm in trying!