<p>Hi! I just wanted to check what you guys think of my chances for getting into some of the UCs like Berkeley, LA, SD, and Santa Barbara. I'd also be interested in SLO under the Earth Sciences major. UC Davis is where I would like to attend most.</p>
<p>GPA: 3.6 unweighted [3.8 weighted]
SAT: 1970 (620 Critical Reading 650 Math 700 English)
ACT: 30 Composite (32 English, 28 Math, 30 Reading 28 Science)
extracurriculars include speech and debate, track/xc for 2 years,
-worked a summer job at a programming lab for bio tech
-involved in coaching middle schoolers for speech/debate
-officer of a dance club/environmental club/community service club</p>
<p>But, UC decisions have been very weird lately… I know valedictorians with 2300+ getting waitlisted at UCLA and people with stats like yours getting in, so anything can happen.</p>
<p>UCLA has always been aberrant. In 2011, I knew some applicants who took no AP/Honors and had SATs around 1800 get accepted. Others who got one or two Bs but took all Honors/AP and received high SAT scores were rejected.</p>
<p>Agree with devrybound except UCB and UCLA are both high reaches. You should also apply to some back ups. Cal Poly SLO is not a safety and equal to a good UC for entrance requirements. Cal Poly Pomona would be a great safety for you in your major.</p>
<p>The difference between UCD and Cal Poly SLO in you major would be hands on learning vs. a more theoretical approach. The difference is significant. Decide which methodology your prefer and which fits you best. You will get practical experience and theory at both institutions. However, the emphasis is very different. Also, at SLO you will be thrown into your major from day one. No need to wait for an extended period of time getting requirements out of the way. I know at the UC’s you can wait up until you start your junior year to start classes your major. I do not know if that is the case in your major at UCD. I am talking about the UC system in general. Do some research and make sure you are getting what you expect.</p>
<p>I realize the difference between SLO and the UC system. The thing about SLO, is that I think I would like to play around with declaring my major so SLO is a bit questionable for my needs. The program looks great and what I think a lot of colleges should be more about, but I’ll take a look at internship opportunities in college. Safety schools are the local state schools that guarantee admission if I reach a certain criteria. I’m also applying to Penn State University Park, as well as UCSC and Irvine.</p>