@Calibear this acceptance is for UCI and to be truely honest, UCI is an easier admit than UCSB. Also, the applicant may have not had much confidence in his academics, but his essays could have been very impressive along good leadership EC’s. For every low GPA acceptance, you can find several High GPA rejections or waitlisted appllicants. Just be aware of your chances and select schools where you are a solid Match/Safety along with the Reaches.