Correct me if Im wrong, but I learned that UCLA has “less holistic” approach to their applicants than UCB.
@resonanx Yeah, that’s right. UCB really prides themselves on their holistic admissions process. UCLA seems to care more about stats - but even so, the average GPA for UCB is slightly higher than that of UCLA. So even with a huge stress on holistic admissions for Berkeley, it is still more difficult to get into Cal than UCLA.
“This implies that it doesn’t matter where an applicant falls in regards to the average GPA because of the holistic approach, which isn’t true.”
This is not what it implies. I am explaining that, regardless of what average GPA a major has, applicants are still looked at holistically in the admissions process.
“Holistic approach doesn’t save him, and GPA wins, even if technically the 50% weight for GPA is equal to the combined 50% of essays and resume.”
You are talking to me as if I have said the holistic review will ALWAYS save someone, no matter how far off the individual is from the norm. Regardless, it is very possible! Look at me. I was a 3.1 student applying to a school average of 3.7, and I got in! I am not saying this will happen to all applicants.
“Uh, congrats? I already said it counted 50%. But … thanks for the clarification? Furthermore, nobody has denied that Berkeley uses a holistic approach, nor has anybody suggested that Berkeley–even the most selective majors–look at GPA 100%. So you’re trying to bring to light things that nobody has denied, argued, or questioned? That’s an interesting approach.”
I don’t understand what you are trying to argue against, then? If you understand that Berkeley uses a holistic approach and also know that I never said the GPA is less important than everything else, then what exactly is motivating you to argue with me? I have stated the holistic approach can help an applicant, and you seem to understand this, yet you find reason to argue with me.
I really think you are still scared from that last argument we had.
@goldencub Yeah I attended one of the UCLA admission presentation few months ago and they told me that GPA is the most important aspect of the application. ECs only make you more competitive than others. the speaker even told us that the PS will only benefit you and will not put applicants in disadvantage. I don’t know whether this applies to berkeley as well or not.
“This is a total lie! I have never said that”
I never said you did.
“And I want to repeat: I have NEVER said that GPA is unimportant.”
And I want to repeat: I never said you did, so I’m not sure what you’re repeating the same thing for the fifth or sixth time. And they are very important, weighted at 50% of an application.
We get it, the holistic approach is important. Nobody has denied that and nobody has denied that it isn’t used. I’m not arguing about the holistic approach, you are. In fact, I’ve already said it’s something that helps me greatly as an applicant. So ask yourself why you’re arguing about it, because I’m not.
Anyway, does anyone know if the TAU in January has an additonal comments box? when I submitted my application, I forgot to mention about my membership in PTK and honors program…
@briank82 If you understood that the holistic review was important, then why would you feel the need to argue with me when I explained to @CoreyL that the holistic review process is important? You even said it yourself that you believe my findings on the holistic review process are not true.
“The GPA does matter. The GPA matters more than anything else in admissions.”
You have also argued against my claims in regards to the holistic review process, but you fight against me as if I am saying the holistic review process will always prevail. All I have said is that the holistic review process has helped many people get into UCB.
Lol i didnt expect my question to create this discussion haha
@CoreyL It shouldn’t be creating this dicussion, whatsoever. I don’t understand why @briank82 has an issue with me bringing the holistic review process into the light. He has also believes I find it more important than GPA. After explaining this to him several times, he finds something to argue about.
@CoreyL Let’s grab a popcorn
Yes it does have an additional comments section. Last year I forgot to record a course and I ended up having to write it in the additional comments 
Idk, I feel like having a few aces up your sleeve wouldn’t hurt in case of an appeal
@briank82 If you’re going around posting how more important the GPA is than the holistic review process, then how are you NOT arguing against the holistic review process? Let’s not even forget the fact that I never said the holistic review process was more important than it, which means you’re a confused, deranged wild animal.
You know, you’re a really stupid person.
Here goes one of his arguments against the holistic review process:
“The GPA does matter. The GPA matters more than anything else in admissions. Regardless of it being holistic, that is indisputable.”
What a stupid, stupid person! He claims he’s not arguing against the holistic process when he indeed is. This guy has lost yet another battle and I will continue to fight light with darkness! I have said nothing wrong in these arguments and have only tried helping others in understanding the holistic review process. However, this bimbo tries to find something to argue with me about!
2-0, @briank82
Ah yes the old “I know you are but what am I” classic playground trump card, never fails
“I am explaining that, regardless of what average GPA a major has, applicants are still looked at holistically in the admissions process.”
I don’t think anyone heard you the first 10 times. Would you mind repeating that please? Please tell us again what we already know. We’ll all be better for it. Thanks.
“@briank82 has an issue with me bringing the holistic review process into the light.”
If only there were progressive forward thinking guys like you at UCB a few years ago, Berkeley could have this all over their admissions page so it could be brought into the light for all! Oh, wait … http://admissions.berkeley.edu/selectsstudents
Into the light? lol. It’s one of the most widely talked about aspects about Berkeley. It is hanging out on the beach getting a tan, it doesn’t need you to bring it “into the light.” Nor is anybody denying its existence. Feel free to continue being a martyr for your non-existent cause though so you can convert all the non-non-believers one non-non-believer at a time into believers.
@briank82 Again, WHY ARE YOU ARGUING AGAINST THE HOLISTIC REVIEW PROCESS THEN? What started this argument was you having an issue with me bringing up the story of two people, and many people I have not talked about, getting into Berkeley thanks to the holistic review process. If you knew so much about it, you wouldn’t mindlessly argue against it and then on top of that, lie, and say I believe the process itself was more important than the GPA.
Just take the L, @briank82
Also, don’t try to tell me I cannot use anecdotal evidence about two people getting in when the holistic review process when every year we see people get into UCB with these “lower” GPA’s. Would that have made you more happy if I brought up postings from last years thread showing that they were able to get into UCB with “less than stellar” GPA’s?
“You know, you’re a really stupid person.”
Welp, you got me there.
“What a stupid, stupid person!”
You got me here too.
What I said earlier and you just quoted me on “The GPA does matter. The GPA matters more than anything else in admissions. Regardless of it being holistic, that is indisputable.” And then you just responded to that with: “What a stupid, stupid person! He claims he’s not arguing against the holistic process when he indeed is.”
I’m not arguing against the holistic review. Again, per Haas, they weight applications by 50% grades and coursework, 35% essays, and 15% resume. Despite a holistic review, grades are still the single most important factor. This is a fact, this is indisputable, this isn’t even up for discussion … like it or hate it, it just is. Me saying that grades are the most important factor doesn’t mean I’m arguing against their holistic approach. That isn’t even a logical argument on your behalf.
Anyone know what the third essay prompt usually is? or any idea?
“Again, WHY ARE YOU ARGUING AGAINST THE HOLISTIC REVIEW PROCESS THEN?”
I’m not arguing against it. You keep coming at me saying I’m arguing against it, when I’m not. It exists, it’s used, it’s important, it’s widely known and publicized and it helps everybody in different ways.
“…and then on top of that, lie, and say I believe the process itself was more important than the GPA.”
Nope, never said that. This inferiority complex you present and this insatiable need you have for the “W” is really funny and borderline concerning though.
@CoreyL Last year’s was: “As you reflect on your life and your beliefs, what phrase or quote best describes you? Explain this phrase or quote and why it represents you so well.”
I’ve heard it is often along these lines or pertaining someway to the defining principles.