I go to a NYC public high school, and I’m a junior. I’m taking 3 AP’s, AP English Language, APUSH, and AP Chemistry. I haven’t gotten my report card yet, but let’s just say, I’m thinking I’ll be getting around a 3.7-8 GPA. I took APWH last year (got a 3 on the test), and my GPA last year also dangled around a 3.7 (92.34) as well.
I have a huge variety of extracurriculars, including many leadership positions and awards within my school’s nationally recognized JROTC program, member of a nationally competing physical training team, president of a club, science research program awards, and a lot of community service hours and a congressional award for that.
I took my SAT last weekend, and I would always break 2k on blue book tests, but I don’t think I did too great on it. I’m taking it again in May, and hopefully I do better…
My dream school is UC Berkeley. I know my chances are slim based on my numbers. I would really appreciate some tips and advice on how I can increase my chances at getting into UCB, UCLA, and UC San Diego, which are my top 3 choices.
Thanks to everyone in advance 
Sorry to give your hopes up but UC schools are very notorious for accepting an extremely small percentage of OOS students. It’s harder to get in if you’re OOS
But again, still can’t say until we see your standardize test score
Can you pay for UC schools? Really, that is the first question.
The EC’s are like 0’s and Grades/Scores are like 1’s. If you don’t have the 1, 0’s just don’t matter. However, you still have a great shot at all UC’s except UCB.
False advertising, no one can call 3.7 a low gpa. I suppose it depends on your class rank. If that is low, maybe it is time to trim the EC and work on the basics? Strong transcripts are the most important thing to them. Also, start writing your 3 UC essays over the summer so you have time, as the app is due in Nov. Make good ones. The first answer is misleading as the admissions stats for OOS students are not that bad as they do like those full payers and there is decent room for them, although there are more CA students of course. So, are your parents really happy to pay 55k per year for those?
Calculate your UC-GPA at the end of junior year. That is the most critical element in admission. If you are taking a rigorous courseload, it might well be over 4.0, which is the threshold you need for UC Berkeley to be possible. If you want the Engineering program, your chances are probably very slim (they have Ivy-type admissions).
Why do you want to go to Berkeley? I don’t think ECs make up for weak test scores or GPA, so keep up on your school work. Before you get attached to a school, it would be wise to ask your parents how much they’re willing to pay per year for school. CA schools are expensive, especially for OOS students.
I don’t think the GPA matters as much. Remember that GPA doesn’t matter as much in the respect that each school system is completely different. That number only pertains to how your school viewed your progress and success throughout that class. I am exiting high school with around a 3.75 GPA, and I found this to be absolutely terrible when it really wasn’t at all. With a high SAT I am sure that you will attend at least one of the UC’s. Remember that the SAT is the only way that we are able to standardize students and begin to compare their reasoning skills against one another, hence why it is so important. Nevertheless I just got into University of Virginia which is extremely to get into OOS with my GPA. Just remember to do you. Connect the dots as to why you should be admitted. Paint the clearest picture of who you are as an individual with your essays. I have no doubt that you will end up just fine.
OP, if you can afford the $55K/year OOS costs then make sure you read up about the academic requirements for the UCs which include some arts.
I have to disagree with fcallicotte. From everything I’ve inferred, GPA is critically important at UC Berkeley.
@fcallicotte UCs take GPA into account more than UVa. I second the recommendation for OP to calculate his/her UC GPA.
Add-on: since a lot of you are mentioning the tuition of the UCs, yes. My parents are more than willing to pay the tuition. My sister goes to UCLA and my parents are having no problem with it.
@merlion Completely unaware of this. Scratch everything I said then.
Ok so 11% of freshman had a GPA in that range last year. 84% above that. If you read the common data sets and the other info, you’ll see where you fit in, in each area.