Questions about applying to Chemical Engineering/College of Chemistry

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

<p>So here is my dilemna:
I'm applying to Chemical Engineering at UC Berkeley. I'm in-state, and I have weighted GPA of around 4.5 (from sophomore and junior year), 2290 SAT, 770 math 2 SAT, still need to take SAT Physics. Only problem is that I had two B's in Calc AB last year (the rest of all my grades have been As). Calc AB is a really hard class at my school, which is otherwise not super competitive, and I'm in the top ten (not percentile, but top ten students) when it comes to weighted GPAs.</p>

<p>I believe I have unique extracurriculars, with a focus in science, and decent community service leadership, and a strong interest in the humanities. I can't judge how my essays will be, so overall, how much do you think I am negatively impacted by the two B's. Also, if it makes a difference, I went to a competitive research program over the summer (not naming for privacy, but it has a 10 percent acceptance rate, is well respected, and many of its participants go to top colleges like harvard, yale, stanford, and competitive BS/MD programs). </p>

<p>To make up for the 2 B's in calc ab, should I focus on making my essays very science-centered to show how passionate I am about getting in? Thanks! Also, another question, I have inconsistent extracurriculars, should I still include them? For example, I volunteered for 20 hours at a certain place, but could only do it for one year b/c my parents refused to take me anymore?</p>

2

<p>@petrawinklevoss
I’m not sure how to answer your exact questions, but I think you’ll find these links helpful:</p>

<p><a href=“http://blog.admissions.berkeley.edu/2014/09/admissions-officer-interview-iii-quincy-jones/”>http://blog.admissions.berkeley.edu/2014/09/admissions-officer-interview-iii-quincy-jones/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p><a href=“http://blog.admissions.berkeley.edu/2014/09/admission-officer-interview-i-henry-tsai/”>http://blog.admissions.berkeley.edu/2014/09/admission-officer-interview-i-henry-tsai/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;