<p>Applying to:</p>
<p>UCLA
UCB
UCSD
UCD
Pomona
UChicago
NWestern</p>
<p>I'll be applying for philosophy or polit science if that helps</p>
<p>UW GPA: 3.54
W GPA: 4.2
UC GPA: 3.9</p>
<p>SAT: 2190</p>
<p>SAT2: 760 Lit, 800 Math2c, 750 Bio</p>
<p>ECs:</p>
<p>Debate Captain, very dedicated
Probably focus on this point since it's been a huge part of my life</p>
<p>Founder + adviser for a non-prof corporation that provides aide to poor Indians</p>
<p>Founded debate camp during summer for helping community </p>
<p>Volunteered at poor elementary school.</p>
<p>Your GPA is going to hurt you the most at UCs. Your scores are strong, and your ECs are good. Though it's a bit too early to tell accurately, as it stands I'd say:</p>
<p>Berkeley: reach, depending on essays
UCLA: slight reach - reach, depending on essays
UCSD: match, maybe a safe match
UCD: safety</p>
<p>Do you go to a competitive school? Are you in the top 4% of your class?</p>
<p>My school is very competitive. What exactly does "reach" mean and what defines a good essay in this case.</p>
<p>bring up my post.. again</p>
<p>Reach means it's tough to say whether you'll make it or not. I think like 10-30% is the percentage.</p>
<p>I define reach as anything where the odds are against you; in other words, below 50% -- where it's more likely that you won't get in than you will. It's tough to say at the 50% mark -- it could go either way (think: equivocal). Slight reach = 50-50. 60% = high match, 70% = match, 80% = safe match, 90% = safety, 100% = guarantee. 40% = reach, 30% = reach, 20% = big reach, 10% = nearly impossible, 0% = ineligible.</p>
<p>A good essay distinguishes you as an applicant; shows your strengths, personal qualities/characteristics, and/or talents; and is well-written.</p>