Low GPA, High ACT, Good ECs - Chance me for UC Berkeley! Dream School!

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
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Demographics: Asian, Male, middle class, both parents completed univeristy. I go to an extremely competitive high school in California.

Intended Major: Computer Science/Philosophy (L&S)

UC GPA: 3.70

Academics: Completed APs - USH, CALC AB, CHEM, LANG, CS. Current APs - Stats, Physics, Lit, PolySci/MacroEcon. Taking Engineering course in high school
College Courses: Introduction to Psychology, Embedded Systems (related to intended major, so hope that would help)

ACT: 35 (36E, 34M, 35R, 35S), 8 essay

PSAT Score: 221 (missed National Merit Semifinalist by one point)

AP Scholar with Distinction

ExtraCurriculars: Eagle Scout, President of Technology Club, 5 Years of FIRST Robotics, went to World Championships. Volunteer at local hospital. Selected to be a participant in an Apple Engineering Camp. Student Government - run the school’s website, created an app, manage campus audio equipment.

I understand that my GPA is a huge detriment to my chance of admissions at UC Berkeley, however I believe my test scores and extra-circulars are strong. What do you think?

Thank you for reading through this long post - I would greatly appreciate it if you could chance me!

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You have very good EC’s, excellent ACT scores and UCB tends to be more holistic than other UC’s but GPA will be an issue even attending a competitive HS. What is UW UC GPA and Fully weighted?

SAT Ii subject tests?

Freshman admit rates for UC GPA of 3.40-3.79 (capped weighted):

UCB: 2%
UCLA: 3%
UCSD: 6%

Looking at this chart for UCB, only 5% of applicants in your GPA range were admitted last year.

http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/campuses/files/freshman-profiles/freshman_profile_berkeley.pdf

Consider it a Reach school and Best of luck. Overall your application looks competitive so your essays may carry more weight so make them outstanding.

Below is what UCB values in their application review:

  • Berkeley

  • Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores
  • Important: Extracurricular activities, Volunteer work, Work experience
  • Considered: Character/personal qualities, First generation college student, State residency
  • Note: Thorough review of academic performance; likely contribution to intellectual and cultural vitality of the campus; diversity in personal background and experience; demonstrated qualities in leadership, motivation, concern for others and community; non-academic achievement in the performing arts, athletics or employment; demonstrated interest in major.
  • LOR's by invitation only as of 2017
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Question for you…did you participate in the Apple Engineering Camp? If so, what were your thoughts/experiences? If not, why did you decide not to participate? Have you heard any info about the camp? Thanks for your help!