I’m currently a freshman in hs of Asian descent and I want to get into UC Berkeley. I currently have all honors classes. Below I have a few questions I hoping somebody(or some people) could answer.
I hope I could get input, tips, and tricks to work towards this goal. Any of these are welcome:)
I would like to know if getting a C+ and a B for one term would be bad since I still have 3 more years and other terms to bring my gpa up. In terms of gpa I know it will bring it down, but is there still a chance?
Next term I am also transferring to an IB school, so I would like to know some information:
how UCs view IB
IB system(like IB exam for full IB students)
IB exam(difficulty, studying, etc)
IB with gpa
tips for the IB program
how HL and SL IB translate into gpa
Is the SAT is hard as people say it is? What’s the reality of it? Studying(aside from taking the PSAT)? Are the $1000+ tutoring sessions for the SAT worth it?
Is there anything I can do to be involved in the community next to sports, service hours, etc?
All positive and constructive criticism will be appreciated, thank you
I don't know the ins and outs of the UC system but I do know that the UCs don't look at freshman grades.
I can't answer this.
The SAT is not that hard if you want to score above average but it is difficult to get top scores. Try both SAT and ACT. Many people here will tell you that you don't need test prep but I found test prep classes helped my kids tremendously. My son scored 35 on his ACT (one sitting) and 1590 on his SAT (one sitting). Test prep helps.
Do something outside of school but don't do it to impress colleges. Do what you like. There are many EC to choose from. Find something that makes you happy and do that. Try to be excellent in whatever you do.
I can answer your second question. I’m not sure how the UCs specifically view IB, but I’m almost certain most schools view it as an equivalent to AP. HL and SL classes are weighed the same at my school, but other schools might calculate your GPA differently. IB is incredibly difficult, because along with your regular classwork you have to do your Extended Essay and Internal Assessments for each class, and you’re not given much, if any, class time to complete these. The IAs are usually 1,600-2,200 word papers and the EE is a 4,000 word essay on a research topic of your choice. But this only applies once you’re a junior, because that’s when the actual IB Diploma Program starts.
I’m not sure what you mean by your other questions. Just know that IB is really hard, and at times it doesn’t seem like it’s worth it, but as someone going into my last semester of IB now, I think it has really improved my writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills.
Virtually all colleges in the US are familiar with IB and it is just as well-regarded as AP. In fact, getting the IB diploma is probably even more of a boost because it is a lot of work. UCs will have no problem with it at all.
It is worth spending money on test prep for either ACT or SAT. A good test score can make a big difference. But spending money is not required. There are plenty of students who study with guidebooks and do just fine. A lot depends on how disciplined you are.
There are many things you can do for ECs. Get involved with your local senior center, hospital, libarary, food pantry, animal shelter, etc… Join Model UN, Mock Trial, Debate, Robotics, whatever your school offers. But don’t do a thousand things. Do a few things and stick with what you,enjoy. Try to get some leadership. Do the things you actually enjoy doing. That’s more important than just building a resume.
