<p>I agree with bovertine about UCSD - even in their info sessions, they talk about the points needed for admission. </p>
<p>However, to your questions on UCB and UCLA …</p>
<ol>
<li>True. The higher your stats, the better your chance</li>
<li>Semitrue. Even with the highest stats, to ensure admittance, write the best essay you can possibly write. Don’t ever send in a mediocore essay if you are hoping for acceptance.</li>
<li>False. Each application and essay is looked at by trained adcom personnel. It doesn’t matter if your essay is “creative” or “straight to the point” - just make it a strong essay, and one that is memorable.</li>
</ol>