UC Berkeley - Class of 2020 Waitlist

@jh1015 Sucks for us. Did you get into other schools for that major though?

I got waitlisted by Berkeley too!!!
My SAT scores are really bad and my UC GPA s 4.02
However my personal statement is really good (in my own opinion)
Is that a good or a bad sign?

I got waitlisted for neuroscience

I got waitlisted for chemistry at L&S

It seems like quite a few people, including myself, got waitlisted for IEOR even though it’s not that popular as a major.

Does someone knows what they’re looking for in the personal essay?

@kornido haha thanks he already makes me food all the time
So I was editing his essay, but I was only going off appeal essays. I shouldn’t mention his grades then? Cause I put that he got all a’s but should he focus on what he got from the classes instead?

Waitlisted for Bioengineering here!

Does anyone know what the chances for a physics major?

There’s no topic given for the optional essay. So common sense tells me you just need to provide them whatever they may NOT know about you already that can get Admissions to say “let’s give this guy (or lady) the seat we have available.” Ever watch American Idol? When a singer gets voted off, they get the chance to sing their heart out so maybe the judges can save him and keep him in the competition. You should think of this essay in the same way.

@thatbassclarinet Don’t worry about all that. You did well, despite your SATs, and that’s why you got waitlisted vs. the majority who just got rejected. To be waitlisted means they want to give you acceptance and the only thing getting in the way of that is space. They have already decided they want you so don’t worry about those SATs. Look forward and use the essay to tell them what they do not know about you already that can intrigue them to accept you, over someone else, from the waitlist - that’s if they don’t take everyone from the waitlist, which has happened a couple years. Be hopeful! You’re in a good position!

@cdart03 I got into UC Santa Cruz and Northeastern for it. I also got into UW Seattle for pre-science. There are a few schools I’m still waiting on, but it looks like I’m going to UW.

Just officially opted-in. Turned in my senior year grades but put “IP” (in-progress) for the Spring section. Many of you may have to do this as well if you have semester grades only or if your spring quarter hasn’t ended yet! Lucky for me I anticipated this and made sure I got straight A’s. For the essay, the open-endedness of it was killing me, but I finally decided to write about why Berkeley was right for me, how I could add to the community there, how I was unique, and also I added a few side notes such as my latest improved SAT scores (that were after their deadline), my newly improved class ranking, and a couple of extracurricular things I’ve done since the application (ie. UF science bowl semi-finalist). It wasn’t super formal like my original app essays, but it also wasn’t just a list of stuff to pat myself on the back. Make it good, you have a decent amount of room. Hopefully this helps some of you. I am planning on posting my essay to this thread after the opt-in deadline so that future wait-listers can get some insight. Why am I helping my competition right now? Who knows lol.

I was wondering if In State has an advantage over OOS?

@Yellowdude19 well it is a california school so they are forced to take a large amount of in state. but on the other hand OOS pays more so they might like that too

Thank you

Btw are we allowed to send a Letter of Recommendation? I don’t know if it states it anywhere

Are the grades optional?I think my grades would hurt rather than help me.

Grades and essay were both optional. I opted in but did neither. I’ll focus my energy on where I got in and if Berkeley comes back to me, I’ll worry about it then.

Out of state and waitlisted. I’ve been reading these discussions and I haven’t heard from many college of natural resources applicants? Where are you guys? Hoping I get accepted…otherwise I’m going to USC. Similar biology programs but veeeery different student culture and vibes (at least that’s the impression I got when I toured)