I consider applying to Berkeley, but when I took the SAT I didn’t do the optional essay. Do you think I’ll be able to apply anyway, although it says they require the essay part? I did really well on the SAT, and my personal essay and recletters are really good!
From the UC website:
If you’re currently in 10th, 11th or 12th grade, you have the option to submit scores from either the old SAT or new SAT with Essay exam.
Do students taking the new SAT also need to complete the optional essay?
Yes. The essay portion of the new SAT exam is required by UC.
@Gumbymom Yes I get that. And that means I won’t be able to apply although I had a perfect score on the SAT without essay?
You can submit your score but without the essay, they will not consider it. The UC’s will take the highest score with essay from one sitting. That score does not qualify and they do not superscore.
That’s why I wish you could take the essay separately from the actual exam, looks like you will have to retake the but f you did perfectly one time you can probably do close to perfect or even perfect again.
You can send in your scores and address somewhere on the app why you didn’t sit for the essay portion of the SAT. Your essays on the UC App will be enough.
Actually, you self report your scores, then send them in after being accepted.
Not sure where you get your information @preppedparent but official SAT scores need to be submitted to the UC’s before admission decisions are made not after. Yes, you self-report but you also are required to take the SAT with essay to qualify for the UC’s. OP did not take the essay, so not a qualifying score.
AP scores ate mot required for admission decisions, you send these scores in after being accepted.
I remember transcripts aren’t sent in until after getting in. So okay, you have to send SATs. All is not lost, colleges are pretty flexible. Self report your scores, send them in and all colleges give you a chance to explain mitigating factors. In my 57 years, I’ve learned that life is never just black and white although some try and make it that way.
Yes, schools can be flexible, but why should an applicant be given special treatment just because they did not follow the testing requirements that the other 78000 applicants did.
Application requires are readily available. If an applicant can get a1600 on their SAT, they could easily look up the testing requirements for the colleges they plan to apply.
OP, call UCB directly and get the definitive answer from the source.
http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/requirements/examination-requirement/index.html
http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/q-and-a/new-sat/index.html
The testing requirements are mentioned frequently on the web site.
So, given the 80-90K applications submitted yearly to Berkeley, and their logarithm for the admissions site, my opinion is that it will end up in an auto-reject pile.
(back seat driving a bit) Honestly, didn’t your gut tell you, on test day, “What if I don’t do the essay”? If you had the other requirements, why would a Berkeley-caliber student risk that? At one of the most competitive colleges in the world, wouldn’t you think to double-check the requirements?
Call and ask, but the answer might not be the one you want to hear.
Okay I’ll call and ask!
And I guess it won’t be the answer I hope for.
Does anyone know when the application deadlines for starting winter/spring term 2018? I can’t seem to find it anywhere. Is it the same as for fall 2017?
Thanks!
@“aunt bea” @Gumbymom @preppedparent @Sterny16
UCB does not have Winter or Spring admission for Freshman applicants unless they are given the January Start program. You can only apply for Fall 2017 or Fall 2018.
Why Berkeley Uses January Start:
UC Berkeley admits students and gives them the option to begin their studies in the spring or explore other enrollment paths such as Global Edge or Fall Program for Freshmen
Application available; August 1
Filing period; November 1-30
SAT test deadline; December 31
Application deadline; November 30
Berkeley notifies applicants of receipt of application; Early January
Freshman decisions posted; End of March*
Transfer decisions posted; End of April*
Submit Intent to Register - Admitted Freshman Deadline; May 1
Submit Intent to Register - Admitted Transfer Deadline; June 1