Hey guys,
Just wondering if anyone else received a e-mail from Cal giving the option to add two LOR’s. I was wondering what this means as far as my chances go? Not sure what to make of it, but I’m thinking they’re sending this to kids that they’re on the fence about, as I doubt they’d need more info/material to read through on kids that are “way in” or “way out”.
Thoughts? Anyone else in the same boat?
when did you submit your app?
This is obviously a good sign!
November 5th. And thank you, I hope so.
What major are you applying for?
Do you think it matters when you submit your app to get the request for LORs? I haven’t submitted yet but I’m hoping to get the email.
Public Health @wecandothis1 and @sukhtheduke1 I don’t think it matters, I’m sure they’ll ask for them if they feel it’s needed whether you submit on November 5th or on the 30th.
it doesn’t seem too likely that ppl would have started looking at apps before the rd deadline has passed. What I’m thinking is that as the incoming numbers(testing,gpa, etc.) are processed a program automatically sends out an email to every applicant in a certain range.
Yeah you’re probably right @DonaldTrumpet69
Does anyone know what the criteria really is for whether or not they ask for LOR? I was thinking that the would get LORs from one set of kids and not from a control group, so they could compare the outcomes from otherwise similar groups. They are getting LORs as a trial this year, and then will decide if they want to continue?
I applied on 11/19 and I have not been asked for LORs (applied for Mechanical Engineering, my SATs are not super high, but my APs and subject scores are sky high. My gpa is not perfect as I didn’t get As in some AP course.).
I’m wrong: http://www.latimes.com/local/education/la-me-uc-recommendations-20151004-story.html
“Berkeley retreated partly for this fall and probably will invite letters from just 20% or so of this year’s applicants, mainly those whose prospects are between certain acceptance and rejection, according to Papadopoulos, a mechanical engineering professor.” That sounds like “borderline”.
@WantInternship
How does “between certain acceptance and rejection” sound like borderline? That sounds like literally every applicant. That is the least helpful and most broad statement anyone can make.
I also got one
I got one yesterday, I can only assume its a good sign. They wouldn’t send them if you were going to get rejected.
My son did not get a request for a LOR but he has a 4.4 GPA, 36 ACT, 2 800 subject tests (Math,Bio) and 6 AP’s all with scores of 5 and 4 AP’s this year. What does that mean?
@Middleschoolmoom It’s possible that your son is a strong enough candidate that his acceptance is already likely. No one really knows what receiving a letter of recc request (or not receiving one) means at this point, but it sounds like he has fantastic stats and if he’s a strong candidate then he has nothing to worry about! Best of luck to him.
@Middleschoolmoom I am not certain, but it could mean that Berkeley doesn’t need additional information to make a decision about your son. However, we are all making assumptions here since this is new to everyone.
I have a hunch that this is meant for students that are academically exceptional in one area, but other things like SAT scores or subject test scores might not back it (like me).
I also received a request for a LOR. I have low ACT scores, but really good extra-currciulars and (what I would like to think) a strong essay. I’m hoping the LOR are a good sign and nothing to worry about, best of luck to everyone!
UCB website says only this:
“The new policy remains committed to making sure that all freshman applications are thoroughly and thoughtfully read, with or without a letter. Students without a letter will not be at a disadvantage, but we do highly encourage students who are selected to use this opportunity.”