overcoming adversity

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
1

<p>I recently attended a workshop that helps both transfer and freshman applicants to, perfect their personal statement. I spoke with one of the admissions officer and she stated that " It would be our loss if we did not admit you to CAL". But here's the problem my stats are WAY below their avg( 3.86UCgpa,1780SAT, 670us history/ 560 math IIc). Could it be that my personal statements might be the determining factor..?
Essay #1 Talked about how APUS..and learning african-american history...giving me a new found respect for my culture.
Essay#2 I'm talking about starting a Clarinet Quartet(as an african-american male), and starting my association, NIYA(Nigerian Ibo Youth Association)
Essay #3 I talk about how i cared for my brother after his serious car accident, and since i lieve in a single parent home(mom is a flight attendant), i had to care for my brother quite a bit.</p>

<p>So what do u guys think..are the essays going to help me that much?</p>

2

<p>i think essays will certainly help you, are you trying to take SAT again in dec?</p>

3

<p>ya i'm taking the SATI in dec.</p>

4

<p>Your essays probably helped you very much, and it communicated to the admissions officier aspects of your life that couldn't come through in other parts of the application. They can recognize amazing feats and incredible events such as what you've lived through.</p>

5

<p>ya..but arent there people out there that have struggled WAY more in life than i have??</p>

6

<p>Of course there are. But if the admissions officer claimed to be impressed, then let it boost your confidence a bit. However, make sure you apply broadly and keep reasonable safeties in mind. Good Luck!</p>

<p><3,</p>

<p>Izzie Bear</p>

7

<p>Thanks for the comment...ya i'm applying to SDSU and Cal Poly SLO...maybe i should put SJSU on their for a strong safety..?</p>

8

<p>Oh i know letters of Rec. mean nothing at the UC's, but i am auditioning for the music director on the 28th, and he said he was going to write me a letter of recommendation. I spoke with one of the adcm's and asked her if the letter of rec would mean anything coming from a UC berkeley music director. She said that it would be a good thing because it would be on my file, and they would have to read it..and then they will be amazed by me doing this. What do u guys think about this?</p>

9

<p>If the adcom people are amazed, does it matter what we think? Do it and good luck on the audition!</p>

10

<p>Haha that part part about them being amazed wasnt suppose to be in there lol. Sorry</p>

11

<p>Oh does anyone know about the "Special Talents" pile that some students with musical/athletic/theatrical talents are placed in? I was told that i was going to be put in this pile...but i dont know how important this is..</p>