<p>Assuming one applies to UCLA in an non-impacted major, he/she has a 3.8, but is missing a prerequisite. Would UC's prefer him/her over someone with a 3.4 but with complete prerequisites? Just curious.</p>
<p>Yeah surely it depends on essays too, but let's set those factors aside.</p>
<p>I think that he/she should be more worried about 3.6-3.79 students with all pre-reqs finished…</p>
<p>Good point. But I’m really wondering if a 3.8 with a prereq missing is more attractive than a 3.4 with complete prereqs.</p>
<p>i dont think it is more attractive because they want you to be ready to take upper-division. they want you to graduate ASAP.
3.8 gpa but missing a prereq… imagine if that prereq is a class that is closed every quarter/semester because everybody needs it.
you would be considered more competitive with a 3.4 and all your crap done.</p>
<p>I think the higher GPA wins, if it’s clear that the prereq isn’t missing because the applicant was slacking. A low GPA sends a signal (in my mind) to them about your academic potential, while a missing prereq could be caused by a multitude of things (none of which is poor academic potential).</p>
<p>While affirmative action is no longer practiced, other demographic data are used in the admissions process; being a first generation college student, having a low income, and transferring from traditionally poor locales work to an applicant’s benefit. So keep these things in mind while you are comparing applicants, as well.</p>