UC Santa Cruz

I want to go to this school, it’s one of my reach schools. Problem is, I’m not sure I’ll get in. I’m a B student.
I wasn’t always a B student but my dad passed away exactly a year ago and my grades dropped but didn’t recover. My college consulter seems doubtful I’ll get into any UC outside of Riverside or Merced, but this is where I want to go.
I mentioned all this in another thread and most people told me that with my GPA and test scores I have a shot at getting in. BUT in that thread there are no mentions of my overall grades.

GPA: 3.64
SAT: 2020
ACT: Havent taken it but I hope to get a 31 or 32 and that’s not unreasonable for me.
I’m a B student. I get Bs in AP classes and normal classes. I get As too, but in all honestly, I’m a B student.

Problem is, as a sophomore I took Calc AB. And from that class it went downhill. We’re on a trimester system by the way.

Sophomore Year Grades:
Calc AB Tri 1: A
Calc AB Tri 2: C
Calc A/B Seminar/precalc: C (seminar doesnt count in GPA)

And I STILL decided to move onto Calc BC cause im stupid.
Junior Year Grades:

Bridge to Calc B/C: D (doesnt go into GPA)
Calc BC Tri2: this is where I am right now with my final tomorrow and Thursday. I have a 70 right now but honestly I struggle in this class so much I think I’m gonna end up with another D.

If extra curriculars help at all, I’m president of my choir program at school and I’ve done musical theater both outside and in school and have gotten a lot of lead roles. I sing in my advanced choir and have gone to Regional Chorus (SCVA) though i didn’t get to try for all state because of a prior commitment.

I do community service and am trying to get a small job this summer. I was told even traveling can go on my resume, and I have traveled to many places.

What are my chances at UC Santa Cruz? And if they’re small, can someone point me in the direction of some other schools so I can research them and see if they’re a fit for me? Thanks in advance for any help I can get.

First, you should post in the What are my chances thread.

Although GPA is slightly below the average, your SAT is above the average. I think you have a good chance. Definitely worth an application.

A D will be a problem so work to get that grade up to a C.

I forgot that was a forum. Is there any way to delete this? Also thank you! @Gumbymom

Hopefully one of the moderators can move the thread. You only have 15 minutes after posting to edit or delete.

I just want to add that you SHOULD explain about your father. UCs will read that and factor it in to the decision. I am so sorry for your loss.

I think you have a good shot! Don’t give up! Because if you do get in, you will be so happy that you spent those $50 to apply! I also think some good schools for you will be SDSU or Chico State. Believe in yourself!

@CoastalKid Thanks, these forums make me feel better about college. I have a college consulter and she’s like “Ehhh, I’m not really sure if you have a chance…”
I live in San Diego, there’s no way I’m going to a school only half an hour from my house but thanks for the suggestions!

Haha, I feel the same way! I live in NJ and I wanna go across country! I love the CSU and UC schools, but being out of state with average grades sucks! I think you’re pretty safe though! Best of luck:)

I want to go to this school, it’s one of my reach schools. Problem is, I’m not sure I’ll get in. I’m a B student.
I wasn’t always a B student but my dad passed away exactly a year ago and my grades dropped but didn’t recover. My college consulter seems doubtful I’ll get into any UC outside of Riverside or Merced, but this is where I want to go.
I mentioned all this in another thread and most people told me that with my GPA and test scores I have a shot at getting in. BUT in that thread there are no mentions of my overall grades.

GPA: 3.64
SAT: 2020
ACT: Havent taken it but I hope to get a 31 or 32 and that’s not unreasonable for me.
I’m a B student. I get Bs in AP classes and normal classes. I get As too, but in all honestly, I’m a B student.

Problem is, as a sophomore I took Calc AB. And from that class it went downhill. We’re on a trimester system by the way.

Sophomore Year Grades:
Calc AB Tri 1: A
Calc AB Tri 2: C
Calc A/B Seminar/precalc: C (seminar doesnt count in GPA)

And I STILL decided to move onto Calc BC cause im stupid.

Junior Year Grades:
Bridge to Calc B/C: D (doesnt go into GPA)
Calc BC Tri2: this is where I am right now with my final tomorrow and Thursday. I have a 70 right now but honestly I struggle in this class so much I think I’m gonna end up with another D.
I am, however, retaking this class next year.

If extra curriculars help at all, I’m president of my choir program at school and I’ve done musical theater both outside and in school and have gotten a lot of lead roles. I sing in my advanced choir and have gone to Regional Chorus (SCVA) though i didn’t get to try for all state because of a prior commitment.

I do community service and am trying to get a small job this summer. I was told even traveling can go on my resume, and I have traveled to many places.

What are my chances at UC Santa Cruz? And if they’re small, can someone point me in the direction of some other schools so I can research them and see if they’re a fit for me? Thanks in advance for any help I can get.