In light of UC decisions coming out this past week, I just wanted to give my two cents to those who feel disgruntled with their decisions. Three words: IT. ISN’T. OVER.
My top schools were UCSB and UC Davis and I didn’t get into either, even after sending in strong appeals.
The admissions directors are looking for new and compelling information as to why they “made a mistake” in a sense by rejecting you. I wrote my appeal on the basis of financial hardships in my family, along with other personal issues that hindered my ability to show my true capabilities as a student sophomore year. The essay I wrote for each was compelling and moving (according to the 10 or so readers who helped revise it), and the letters of rec came from a psychologist, many teachers, and a former employer to reinforce my statements and further persuade them why I deserved to go to their school. All in all, at Davis roughly 3 people got in on appeal last year out of around 3000 applicants.
Let me tell you something though, I didn’t let that stop me. I’m currently living in Isla Vista among the UCSB community, I’m going to SBCC, the number one community college in the nation, I’m a part of the UCSB photography club, and I am working super hard to prove to the admissions people that I belong at their school. In my first semester here, I have achieved several academic awards, and plan to transfer to Davis after two years. In my opinion, this was the best decision I could have made, and it was the best way to get back at the people who told me ‘no’ one year ago.
If college for you is about the atmosphere and the vibe and the experiences (like it is for me), chase that dream school. It doesn’t end here. Send an appeal, and if it works out, awesome. But if not, there are always alternatives! Go be a part of their school, even if they told you no.
Like I said, I am a part of the culture here now, while working my butt off at CC, to prove to the UC’s that I belong at their school. And I’m really having the time of my life in the process.
Good luck to you all.