<p>Hey, this is my first 'chance' post here on CC. I am wrapping up my UC application as the deadline approaches and would like some thoughts on my chances for UCSB and UCB; any input is greatly appreciated. I am applying as a freshman for the fall of 2014, physics major. I am OOS, from Long Island, NY. I am also applying to the University of Michigan Ann Arbor.</p>
<p>SAT I:
First: 1900; M-660, CR-610, W-630
Second: 1910; M-680, CR-630, W-600
Superscore: 1940</p>
<p>SAT II:
Chemistry: 720
Physics: 740</p>
<p>No ACT</p>
<p>GPA: 3.7 W, 3.6 UW (Freshman to Junior years).
Not exactly sure what my UC GPA is...
Freshman and Sophomore not great but high upward trend Junior and 1st quarter Senior.</p>
<p>Freshman: 3.48 UW, 3.55 W
Global History - 87
English - 80
Geometry H - 84
AP Biology - 89
Italian 2 - 86
Studio Art A/B - 90
Freshman Seminar - 93</p>
<p>Sophomore: 3.61 UW, 3.67 W
English - 89
Global History - 93
Alg 2/Trig H - 85
AP Chemistry - 94
Italian 3 - 86
Concert Band - 99</p>
<p>Junior: 3.85 UW, 4.02 W
English - 85
AP US History - 96
Pre Calculus H - 93
AP Physics B - 99
Music Theory 1 - 100
Concert Band - 100</p>
<p>Senior: 3.88 UW 1st Quarter (grades not weighted until sometime later)
English Facing History & Ourselves - 96
Soc Stud Facing History & Ourselves - 92
AP Calculus AB - 99
AP Environmental Science - 96
AP Macroeconomics - 90
AP Music Theory 2 - 99
Concert Band - 100</p>
<p>AP Scores:
Biology - 5
Chemistry - 5
Physics B - 5
AP US History - 4</p>
<p>EC's:
-Math Club, 11-12
-Advanced Science Research school group, several ongoing research projects.
-Science Olympiad, 11-12
-Protein Challenge, 11-12,
-Science Bowl, Captain, 12
-Varsity Quiz Bowl, 12
-Robotics, 12
-Piano for 9 years
-Clarinet for 10 years
-Jazz Band Pianist, grades 9-12.
-Graduation Band Clarinet, 10-11
-Marching Band Clarinet, 12
-Pit Orchestra Pianist, 11, 12. First student to be chosen to play piano for musical, usually always teacher or hired accompanist. Accompanied cast at East End Arts Teeny Awards where we received award for Best Musical/Ensemble.
-School Chorus Piano Accompanist,10-12.
-Choral Cubs Piano Accompanist (Club), 10.
-Church Piano Accompanist for Saturday Services, 9-12.
-Church Christmas Pageant Piano Accompanist, 9-12.
-Church Senior High Youth Groups weekly, 9-12. LOTS of community service through this group (Will not list and cannot even recall all of them).
Mission Trips, 10-11: Habitat for Humanity in Alabama (Building new homes for needy families), 1 week; Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry in North Carolina (Assisting elderly residents and renovating homes), built full front deck and wheelchair ramp, 1 week.
One weekend spent fixing/cleaning homes severely affected by floods from hurricane in Middleburgh, NY.
Summer Week of Service Projects, 9-11: Built decks and wheelchair ramps for local families with handicapped members.
Weekend spent working at NYC soup kitchen, 11.
Days dispersed throughout winter distributing clothes and food to needy in NYC, 9-11.
-Work Experience: Summer Camp Counselor at my Church, 11: Helped in the running of events overall but had the specific role to provide guidance to a special needs child.</p>
<p>Some of my community services are 'here and there's' of not so frequent but concentrated duration. I just listed as many as I could think of to be worth listing, sorry. On the actual application I am limited of course in the number I can list and will have to choose only several to really expand on.</p>
<p>Recs:
I am assuming to be very good; from AP Chemistry and AP Physics teachers, both who I have had relatively close and ongoing relations with.</p>
<p>Decent Essays</p>
<p>Awards:
-American Association of Physics Teachers Award: Outstanding Physics Student, 11.
-Award for Distinguished Band Student, 10-11.
-Awarded medal for Outstanding Accompanist at Six Flags Music in the Parks for accompanying the chorus.
-AP Scholar with Honor</p>
<p>I know Berkeley will probably be a reach, but I am hoping UCSB (as well as Umich) will be possible. I have heard great things about its physics department and the potential possibility of the College of Creative Studies would be a great option, providing ample research opportunity and advanced study in preparation for graduate school. My largest concern is my GPA, however. I did not do all that well in the beginning, honestly simply because I kind of slacked, but I am hoping my upward trend and success junior & senior years will help. Also, my SAT is a bit on the lower side, had I prepared I probably could have pulled over 2000, but oh well I guess.</p>
<p>I appreciate and look forward to any thoughts you may have.</p>
<p>Thanks,
Jay</p>