I have a low GPA (3.8 weighted, 3.3 unweighted) but a 34 on the ACT. Would I be able to go to USC or UCLA? I want to major in creative writing. I’m also asian and female (for reference). Thanks!
Your ACT score is very impressive. Do you have any EC’s? Is your weighted GPA also your UC GPA? UC’s have a different way of calculating GPA’s. If 3.8 is your UC GPA, I believe you do have somewhat of a chance at UCLA because of your major. Creative writing is usually not impacted. From what I’ve seen and heard, people who have been accepted to UCLA last year had a 4.0+, but their intended majors were STEM related. It can be hard to tell because the UC prompts changed for 2016 applicants, so that may or may not affect the way students are admitted. As for USC, I believe their admissions process is more holistic than the UC’s. Recommendation letters and good essays may increase your chances. Did you apply for any other schools?
Conventional wisdom is that this combination makes you look smart but lazy. I think you’re going to have a tough time, but do check your UC weighted GPA.
UC’s are very GPA focused and many times will accept applicants with High GPA/Lower test scores and Low GPA/High Test scores. USC will also be a tough admit when the average unWeighted GPA is around 3.8. It is worth your time to apply, just make sure you have some solid Match and Safety schools on your list.
https://rogerhub.com/gpa-calculator-uc/
Freshman admit rates for UC GPA of 3.80-4.19:
UCB: 12%
UCLA: 14%
UCSD: 39%
UCSB: 49%
UCD: 52%
UCI: 57%
UCSC: 83%
UCR: 90%
UCM: 92%
Are you in state for California?
Both would be almost unreachable reaches - even a 3.8 UCGPA is low for UCLA, your odds would be good at UCSC, with UCD/UCI/Ucsb possible reaches.
If 3.8 isn’t your ucgpa, calculate it.
What’s your budget? What do your parents expect (can afford EFC or high need or need merit scholarships)?
UCB and UCLA don’t consider freshman year and only A through G courses. Is a 3.8 your UCGPA? Please calculate your UCGPA.