<p>I'm beginning to doubt myself, then I'll have a surge of self-assurance. I'll go on here, try to compare my stats to people, or I'll end up on grad school sites (getting a little bit ahead of myself). I'll start looking at places to rent around the campuses, and check out various clubs and what not, or think about starting my own. I'll look back over my application, pick out little problems in my personal statement, recalculate my GPA, scrutinize my EC's as though they aren't good enough. </p>
<p>Though I have a TAG with San Diego, like most of you its Berkeley or UCLA thats my top pick, and while SD is an excellent school it would be a disappointment not to get in to my first choice, especially considering the work I've put in over the last couple years. I've got 3 years clean and sober coming up in March, before which I was living on the street as a heroin addict and alcoholic. Its been 8 years since I graduated high school, and though I have a 3.8 from my time at my community college, there was an Incomplete that lapsed to an F about 5 years ago during an open-enrollment summer course at UCSC, a class they no longer offer. That mar on my record to me calls into question my chances more than anything else. While I have a 4.0 in my major and a good grade trend, and explained my life circumstances in my PS pretty well, I still have my doubts.</p>
<p>I realize few of you could probably relate directly to my situation, but judging by what many folks post on here, you too are caught up in this anxiety and anticipation. Some of you, with 4.0's across the board and Regents award letters I don't think should be too concerned. Relax. Its what I've been trying to tell myself to do, to focus on this last semester, and to be stoked on whatever school I get into. Its just hard, when I can really only imagine myself at Berkeley, to prepare myself for the good possibility that I won't get in there. </p>
<p>I just wanted to write this for myself, help get some **** off my chest. Perhaps you are feeling the same way, and have some ideas on how to chill out til the end of April? Maybe I need to go to the gym, do some intense cardio. That ought to help.</p>
<p>I’m (sort of) among the group that “you don’t think should be too concerned”, and I’m experiencing exactly what you said in your first paragraph. It’s funny how doubt strikes everyone the same way. </p>
<p>Coming from someone living a sheltered, suburban life, I always feel inadequate next to students who have actually experienced the **** in life and have conquered school despite of it. </p>
<p>But anyway, I found that exercise is the only thing that helps with the stress. I can recommend that, for all it’s worth. </p>
<p>I skimmed and I wasn’t feeling nervous until I got to the end and now I’m nervous again, thanks! >_<</p>
<p>Seriously though, no worries, if 1 F is the worst on your record you definitely can relax. You have a compelling story and a fantastic grade trend. Colleges, especially UCLA absolutely LOVE that.</p>
<p>Based on ^ alone, you are the frakking man or woman! Bravo! Here’s hoping you get into Cal or UCLA, but if you don’t, in no way should that invalidate your already amazing accomplishment.</p>
<p>I figure, if I don’t get into UCLA or Berkeley, I’ll just go there for grad or law school.</p>
<p>But yes, three years clean and sober is a great accomplishment. Did you discuss that period in your life in the application? You probably have a very compelling story to tell.</p>
<p>Learn to love UCSD…convince yourself that it is a great school because well it really is! Once you get comfortable with UCSD as a back-up you will be a lot happier and less stressed.</p>
<p>^Yeah, I know some weight training always seemed to help me when I took it Spring 09, lil’ bit of exercise feels good. I ended up falling in love with the rowing machine and then getting bored with it a few weeks later.</p>
<p>Good call y’all, and thanks for the kind words. Yeah, the gym did help, I’m gonna start going again, get back in shape and use it to help keep me focused. </p>
<p>@nick, yeah I talked about it, in the 2nd “accomplishments” prompt. I think it sounds pretty good, and it puts the F and 2 B’s I got in 2004/ 05 in perspective for the admission staff. I’m sure they don’t hear that kind of story too often, so hopefully it works for my advantage. And Berkeley is my top choice for law school as well (after Stanford, that is); some people have told me that I should go to the school where I can get the best GPA for law/ grad school, and that might be SD, but I don’t know.</p>
<p>@SMC, I know what you mean, and I would still be stoked with SD. I have some friends who live down there already, so thats cool. Its just, having lived in Nor Cal my whole life, moving down south will be tough, whether its UCLA or SD I get into, one reason why Cal is my top choice.</p>