<p>I've just finished my first semester as a junior in high school. The past 3 semesters I've averaged about half B's, half A's (all B's are in AP/Honors courses, but whatever). My UC GPA should be about 3.93 provided I get straight A's this semester. I don't think that's high enough, even if I get outstanding SAT scores, to get into my top school, Berkeley.</p>
<p>I'm still interested in a good college but I'm trying to pry my heart away from Berkeley. Does anyone know some place I might have a chance at? I'm looking for schools in California but other places would be okay too.</p>
<p>yeah, unfortunately I'm oos :( UCLA has been my second choice, but I don't think I could get in there either, since the stats are similar to Berkeley.</p>
<p>You still have a chance too, don't forget. Study VERY hard for the SAT. I increased my score 220 points up to a 2210 by studying, so it can be done. Also, remain committed to your extracurricular activities and pursue leadership roles, its not too late. Write a stellar personal statement (Berkeley takes this element of the admissions process very seriously). Take a rigorous course load in your senior year. Enroll in community college courses for the summer, it will increase your GPA (it gives you the same credit as an AP/Honors course i.e. 5 pts. for an A). Get a job over summer (work experience shows maturity). Remain active in community service (it shows compassion and humanity). Doing all the above will significantly increase your chances at acceptance at Berkeley. If that doesn't work. Appealing a rejection is always an option (I have 2 or 3 friends who got into Berkeley through the appeals process). Good luck, i'm sure things will work out.</p>
<p>I considered the community college for this summer, and it's a great idea, but the thing is that I've gotten a job (low paying but I'm not in it for the money) as a counselor at a Girl Scout camp, which would take up most of my summer. I'm a little bit torn</p>
<p>Does Cal up your gpa for community college classes? Do they have to be taken in place of required A-G classes at the high school? When I asked my son's GC if his VPA, taken at a cc, would be weighted, I was told it was not. He also took a UC class last year for personal interest and plans to take another UC class this summer. Do the college classes really help?</p>
<p>don't worry, I got a lot of B's too in junior year ahah. like..4 first semester and 2 the 2nd..and 1 B in every other semester...and was freaking out like craaazy. Just do well on SATs/APs..that'll pull you through, and I'm sure you'll have a higher GPA anyway than I (and a lot of other people) did.</p>
<p>Bessie, yes CC courses, in any subject area (not just the A-G), are given weighted credit similar to AP/Honors courses. I took about 18 units at a CC during my high school years and spoke to representatives at each of the UCs' admissions office and they all claimed that they do give weighted credit to CC courses. Your GC is definetly wrong</p>
<p>Now I'm very worried about AP tests. I took 2 AP classes last year, and got a 1 and 2 on the tests. This year I'm taking 4 AP classes, but I honestly am not holding out much hope for good scores on the tests. How closely does Berkeley look at the AP test scores? My mom told me that I don't even have to send them in, and that college can't see them if I don't want them too, but I really don't know about that aspect.</p>
<p>I know my chances would be much better if I was a CA resident and that sucks :(</p>
<p>srablee: they don't admit you based on AP scores, so it doesn't matter if you send them in or not, but some tests (and scores) earn you college credit. Plus, I would say send them in: they want to see that you're taking every opportunity in HS and choosing the most rigorous course-load.</p>
<p>I've heard great things about it's academics (although I'm still debating a major). I've also heard that it takes a lot of effort, but I like a challenge. Most of my family has lived in the Bay Area at one time or another and says I would love the location.</p>
<p>Berkeley is a good school but I really believe your college experience is what you make of it. I think if you take advantage of the resources available to you, a school like UCSB or UCSD would be a great alternative, especially if you want to stay in California. </p>
<p>Other options really depend on what you want to study. Once you narrow this down, you can look at various schools which have good programs in your potential field(s) of study. Good luck!</p>