Read my UC Berkeley Letter of Appeal

Applying to College
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<p>What do you guys think of my appeal letter (dont mean to steal the show from RyanByrd7, but I’m in a similar situation). I could use all the help I can get. This may also help RyanByrd7 :)</p>

<p>03/28/2013</p>

<p>Freshman Appeals Committee
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
University of California, Berkeley
110 Sproul Hall #5800
Berkeley, CA 94720-5800</p>

<p>To whom it may concern,</p>

<p>Upon receiving the news that I was not admitted to Berkeley, I immediately set forth to prove that I am worthy of your reconsideration. Recent circumstances will cast new light on my application making me an even more competitive applicant than previously thought. I would like to remedy this situation by providing updated information regarding my application.</p>

<p>Since sending my application to the UC schools, I was awarded the National Four Year Army ROTC Scholarship to the University of California at Berkeley. I was also awarded the National Four Year Air Force ROTC Scholarship. These scholarship awards are among the most competitive in the nation. They not only exemplify my ability as a leader and as an exceptional student, but cover the full cost of tuition. In addition to these achievements I have organized and lead a third successful high school blood drive. I will be competing in both the famed Bioexpo science fair and in the internationally renowned Solar Car Challenge later this year. Finally, I was accepted for an internship at an energy company in Budapest, Hungary during the summer.</p>

<p>I understand that the UC system does not consider SAT super-scores when evaluating an applicant, but I feel that it is important to note that my SAT super-score is significantly higher than my single sitting test score; 160 points to be exact, putting me at 2120 total. It should also be noted that I desire to change my intended major from Chemical Engineering to Environmental Science. I found that the Environmental Science major at Berkeley more closely matches my passion and background. As you can see in my application, I’m a state science fair winner in alternative fuel research and design. I also hold a leadership position in my school’s Solar Car Club. </p>

<p>I have followed my passion and have proven my success in alternative energy programs and state wide competitions. I am an A student in math and science classes as well as a member of the esteemed Biotech Academy at Ballard High School. I would appreciate your valuable time in reconsidering my application. I have attached a letter of recommendation from my AP chemistry teacher Dr. Dewey Moody for your evaluation. Thank you for your consideration.</p>

<p>Sincerely,
XXXXXXX</p>

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<p>To the above poster,</p>

<p>I can’t find guidelines for Cal’s appeal process, but I know UCLA’s. According to UCLA, any new awards, good senior grades, change of major, or recommendations do not constitute a grounds for appeal. I would assume Berkeley follows something similar. Given that, I would say that nullifies your whole appeal.</p>

<p>And even if i’m wrong, your letter doesn’t shed new light on your application. UCs can see all of your SAT scores. They were probably aware of your super-score and a 2120 is not impressive for Cal at all. And in the end, you’re just saying “look over my application again because I think i have what it takes.” That’s specifically what they don’t want to do. They’ve looked at it and apparently they didn’t like it. Your letter itself should be the missing evidence required for your admission. Ryan’s letter has a point: he underwent some personal trauma that brings about a new context in which the adcoms should view his academic performance. Your letter, while much clearer, sound something more like a personal statement instead of an appeal. An appeal probably comes out easier if there’s an actual extenuating or new circumstance that took place. I feel like you were struggling to find one (or didn’t have one) and just defaulted to giving a laundry list of why you’re actually a good applicant. Sorry, but I don’t think it’ll work.</p>

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<p>Check out my edited version: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/1488459-read-my-uc-berkeley-letter-appeal-2nd-draft.html#post15773058[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/1488459-read-my-uc-berkeley-letter-appeal-2nd-draft.html#post15773058&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>comment, give suggestions, tell me if it is any better than the first. Be honest!</p>