This is my first time on here, so apology’s if this is the wrong area.
I was hoping to go here for biomedical engineering.
I’m currently a sophomore but here is some info.
I’m a white female, stable family. Would not qualify for financial aid.
I would be out of state (east coast)
I’m in all honors classes and have about a 95-96 unweighted average. (We don’t do gpa)
I don’t know what it is weighted
Next year I’m taking 5 AP classes (bio, apush, English, psychology, calculus)
I’m definitely going to have strong recommendations, all of my teachers adore me. I have that sort of effect without trying lol
I think my rank is 10/600. My school is the most competitive around because we have a ton of asians (not to be stereotypical) who only study for their entire life. Nothing else.
Additionally my essays would probably be up to the stars. I’ve always been an incredibly strong writer and very…persuasive.
I’m also a very eloquent speaker.
Extracurriculars:
I did winter and spring track and cross country both years of high school so far. I’m pretty good and varsity lettered every season. I will probably be the junior captain for both next year. I also got first team cross country in my league this year. I’m first aid and cpr certified. I’m fluent in French and translating text in Latin. I’m in a medical science academy in my school where we take special related classes that are extremely difficult. I will also be getting an internship through this program senior year. I’m in my schools key club and have 100+ volunteer hours through there. I was in bio league freshman year. I was a peer guide this school year where I take new students around the school. I’m on the board for the YMCA teen leaders club near me. I basically started the club and we are working hard to make it fully functioning. I have hours through here as well. I’m also in a medical explorers club at my local hospital. I was vp this year and next year I was just voted in as president. Through this I work with autistic children a couple times a month. I’ve gotten varsity scholar both years of high school. I have various Latin awards. Freshman year I got accepted into a statewide steam tank challenge and did well in that. I also just got youth volunteer of the year at my ymca.
Scores: I took the sat’s in 8th grade and got 1770 without studying (last 2400 test ever lol) I just took the psat and got a 1400 which is low (also didn’t study) but that wasn’t a good day…long story lol.
Anyway if anyone can give me any insight or any tips that would be appreciated.
I cannot give the odds, but consider UCB a Reach school.
UC’s use only 10-11th grades in their GPA calculation. As an OOS applicant, only AP/IB or DE courses count for the extra honors points in the calculation. HS designated Honors do not count for the extra Honors points.
Here is a handy UC GPA calculator: https://rogerhub.com/gpa-calculator-uc/
UCB will consider your UW UC GPA, Capped Weighted UC GPA and Fully Weighted UC GPA
Make sure you exceed the minimum a-g course requirements for the UC’s along with taking the recommended SAT II subject tests for UCB depending upon your major.
https://www.ucop.edu/agguide/a-g-requirements/
Also look at the Freshman Profile to determine how you compare:
https://admissions.berkeley.edu/student-profile
LOR’s are not a given for UCB, since they will invite applicants to submit them and it is only a small percentage.
Here is what UCB looks for in their application review:
- 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
Although you state you do not qualify for financial aid, as an OOS applicant, expect to pay around $65K/year with little to no merit or FA.
Best of luck and apply widely