UC chances/ some out of state schools? Need help!!

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Hi there. I’m currently approaching the end of my junior year at a public school in California and I’m beginning to think more and more about the upcoming college applications. However, with this I begin to worry more and more about next year.

So freshman year I had a about a 3.5 unweighted and a 3.7 weighted (because I was stupid and got all A’s but two C’s that year) but following freshman year, I really began to pick up the slack. My 10-11 gpa will be a 3.86 uw and a 4.25 weighed (approximately a 4.12 UC gpa), I have taken 5 AP classes so far and will be taking 4 more next year. My ACT score was a 34 composite. (testing is a real strength for me, I also have above 750 on Math Level 2 and US History for SAT subject tests)
My EC’s are pretty good and have been consistent (4 years basketball, coached younger children since 8th grade, run my own personal finance club at my high school and have created a website for it, etc), but I’m worrying that my poor freshman year will prohibit me from getting into some of my top choices and I feel as if I’m stuck applying to mostly the UC system because of my freshman year. I am interested in other schools outside of California but my gpa lowers when freshman year is included to about a 3.75 uw and a 4.1 weighed.
I would be extremely happy if I got into any of UCB, UCLA, UCSD, UCSB, and UCD next year and wanted to know if you folks thought I have good chances for those schools. I also wanted to see what other schools outside of Cali I should look into and if my poor freshman year would prohibit me from getting into those schools (such as Boston College, NYU, Wake Forest, Georgetown, George Washington, etc).

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question!

2

I believe you have very good chances for mid-tier UCs. You perhaps will be admitted to one of the two top UCs as well. Your chances for other schools mentioned, is good as well (in a holistic environment, which is very common, freshmen year has less weight everywhere).

3

Thanks for the feedback! I sincerely hope what you said about freshman year is true, I really slacked off before I realized the importance of school the following year…

It would be great if I could get some more feedback from others as well!

In addition, is there anything specific in the summer of junior year that one should do (I’m not only really trying to just impress colleges; However, I’m trying to see whether or not it would be more beneficial to do somethings this summer over others, ie. to get some job experience or take some summer classes)?

4

bump

5

You should be able to get into UCSB and UCD easily. UCSD is a probably. UCB and UCLA are maybes for nearly everyone but you may get in.

6

I have faith you will get into a LOT of schools that you listed, especially with that strong ACT score. Maybe you will get wait-listed at a few, it really is a crapshoot. UCB is a maybe, as is UCLA. UCLA may be a little more probable than UCB. In general, I agree with @mrbloxley.

7

Thanks for the feedback from both of you!

I’d appreciate some more opinions as well from the rest of you folks!

8

Bump

9

I agree with many of the above posters that you have a solid shot at UCSD/UCSB and UCD. UCLA/UCB are always tough but definitely worth your time to apply. For the OOS schools, I really cannot give you an opinion but your Freshman GPA will not weigh down your chances too much. NYU is expensive and stingy on financial aid. Good Luck.