<p>I'm new to the Berkeley admissions process. A a result, I would greatly appreciate any assistance in clearing away some of my doubts in the fields indicated below...</p>
<p>Research:
I've written a basic research paper which discusses my experimentation in the field of neuropsycholgy. At UCB, can this help me in my application? If so, how much?</p>
<p>Also, where would I include the abstract?</p>
<p>Chances:
What are my chances, assuming I have low standardized scores (1980 SAT score), a relatively high GPA (3.83UW 4.21W), good essays, and lots of strong ECs? Note: I am a California resident. </p>
<p>Legacy:
Does having a parent who's a UCB allumnus help you in any way?</p>
<p>i think you have a pretty good chance with your GPA, your SAT maybe a little on the low side. It would really depend on the major that you choose, so if you choose a major in the college of L S, you should be fine. As for your research paper, I don't recall anywhere you can list that, so the best you can do is just to mention about it on your personal statements and also what you learned from doing this research. </p>
<p>They might care, but it isn't going to help you much (not that you probably need it), which is the case at most schools. it did help you in this manner- a person you probably grew up with your whole life, and from whom you probably learned a lot, was well educated at a good school, if not also intelligent.</p>
<p>Thanks! Out of all the forums I've posted questions on, MIT and Berkeley seem to be the fastest to reply. I guess it really says a lot about the school :-). </p>
<p>Sort of disappointed about the research paper part. I really wanted to include just the abstract (really highlights me strengths). Anyway, I wanted to add a few questions to my list...</p>
<ol>
<li><p>I know the UC system does not require letters of recommendation. I was wondering if I'm allowed to send one in. One of my letters truly conveys my love for learning and unrelenting pursuit of knowledge. Would UCB mind if I sent one in? Or would it go against me?</p></li>
<li><p>I know this might seem very naiive, but what is College of L S? Also, it seems your major can hurt or help you in the admissions process. Is this true? At a few other universities, I was told that your major doesn't really make that much of a difference to them, since your probably going to change it anyway. What's the case at Berkeley?</p></li>
<li><p>I don't want to misinterpret one of Berkeley's prompts (Tell us about a talent, experience, contribution or personal quality you will bring to the University of California.). Would the following be an appropriate approach?
Provide a vivid description of my experiences in Pakistan (smog, pollution). Then transition to how this "experience" compelled me to research pollution and attempt to find a solution. Then, after a description of my progress, I transition to how my research is in its infancy and development. I ultimately conclude that attending Berkeley could enable me to contribute. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>The response would discuss an "experience" and could, indirectly, describe how I could contribute to UCB, on a small scale, and the world, on a larger scale :-) (with their guidance and direction, of course). I'm wondering whether it would fit within the prompt. If not, please suggest which prompt you think it would better fit. </p>
<p>Anyway, thanks for your prompt responses. As I stated before, your guidance is definitely valued.</p>
<p>1) They don't want rec letters, so don't send them.
2) L&S is College of Letters & Sciences, which is the main undergraduate college. If you apply to L&S, they don't care what major you list bcos they know many students change their major 2-3 times before graduating. If you apply to one of the other colleges, such as Engineering/ or Chemistry, however, admission is major-dependent; thus, all electrical engineers compete for a slot in that major.
3) Legacy boost was dropped about ten years ago -- no help.
4) Perhaps take the next couple of weeks to study for the Dec. SAT. A higher score could really help.
5) I'm not good at essay responses....perhaps others could chime in.</p>
<p>I think what you mentioned would work pretty well, just make it eloquent.</p>
<p>For the major part, if you don't care what you major except engineering, then just apply to L & S, but if you want do engineering, you have to apply for some kind of engineering because it's really hard to transfer into engineering.</p>