Out-of-state Admission to Cal: What's the latest reality?

<p>I've been checking the UC admissions website for the information about the general UC admissions process. Within the overall process, what's Berkeley's current approach to out-of-state students? Can any student with any background be rejected? Is there any set of stats that implies virtually certain admission, or is admission doubtful for everyone? What else do out-of-state applicants need to know?</p>

<p>I've heard OOS admission into Berkeley is about 7% which is only a few hundred students.</p>

<p>I also want to apply from out of state. Will not needing financial aid help my chances?</p>

<p>token: in prior years, the OOS stats are similar to instate. All data can be found on UC Statfinder. It is unlikely it will be significantly different this year. Even if Cal admits more OOS, I'll be surprised if the OOS yield doesn't go down, particularly given the economy (and poor finaid). Even with an efc of zero, an OOS'er would need to come up with ~$30k in self-help.</p>

<p>University</a> of California: StatFinder</p>

<p>bamf: the UCs are (supposedly) need-blind. Being full pay means little to admissions; being extremely low income is a plus factor. Being OOS and low income means you won't be able to attend if admitted bcos finaid is poor, even for instate residents.</p>

<p>Thanks, bluebayou, the StatFinder is very helpful.</p>

<p>OOS is more difficult than in-state. While the average acceptance % is the same as in-state in order to compensate for a lower OOS yield, the average applicant characteristics are generally higher. I say characteristics because while a "statfinder" may tell you the scores, only a very boring school would admit someone solely based on GPA/SAT.</p>

<p>The majority of people I know admitted at UCLA were also admitted to prestigious private schools (eg Duke, Stanford, ND, Cornell, some Harvards, etc), but chose to attend due to location/program, etc. Most of them possess very impressive resumes of ECs and analytical/quantitative reasoning skills. </p>

<p>So in this case, I'd say only looking at the numbers would be doing yourself a disservice. </p>

<p>Hope that helps!</p>

<p>If I'm accepted OOS with an EFC of $20,000, what kind of financial aid should I expect?</p>

<p>
[quote]
only a very boring school would admit someone solely based on GPA/SAT.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Definitely true, but 50% of UC admissions is solely based on the numbers (by policy). Tack on all the bonus factors for strength of schedule, low income, first gen to college, etc., and it leaves little room for much consideration of EC (unlike the privates). The point being that a leadership in any EC will do; it is not necessary to be accomplished, nor have an impressive resume to gain acceptance. Just takes great grades, good test scores (not as important as privates), a few committed ECs and the willingness to pay $46k out of pocket.</p>

<p>Vsheng: UC finaid is poor. Unless you are Regents, they will not waive the OOS portion of the fees. The instate COA is $25k, and the difference between the instate COA and your efc will be taken up by workstudy and summer earnings (and perhaps a loan). You should expect zero grants (unless you qualify for Regents).</p>