Trying to help my friend who got waitlisted. Is it a “This is what I’ve done since I sent my application” or a narrative on anything? It’s a bit confusing.
My son got accepted off the waitlist first round last year. His opt in essay I thought was really good talking about what he had accomplished since applying, why he wanted to go to UCB and why he thought he would be a good fit. I felt he did a good job keeping a positive vibe and not sounding desperate to get in even though it was his dream/reach school. I also believe there is a word limit if I recall right, and I think he reached the limit. Hope this helps all of you! Like I told him last year, if UCB is your dream, showcase yourself, don’t give up or lose hope now! You’ve been given a unique last chance to let them know why they should choose you, and not everyone gets that opportunity! I sincerely congratulate you all for making it this far! Quite a feat you’ve accomplished in this seemingly unpredictable college application lottery.
@Gumbymom do you know when last years waitlist data might be avail, and where?
@knowledgeispower18: UCB’s CDS is already published but UCB did not report wailtlist stats so I doubt they will for 2018.
Two of my kid’s best friends from HS cleared waitlist in the past two years. One decommited from UDub, the other one from USC. So getting off waitlist is certainly possible.
thanks for your encourage posting! My S is waitlisted at UCB, it is his dream school, hope his dream come true.
I have two questions.
I am asked to indicate whether I am interested in the Fall Program for Freshmen and Global Edge Program in the waitlist opt-in form. If I indicate that I may be interested and get admitted in the end, will I still have a choice on wether to attend that first year pathway or just to start my college life in the traditional way? Cause I’m not so sure right now and I don’t want to be bonded by a specific program.
Also, if I want to submit a supplementary rec letter, can I ask the recommender to send it by e-mail? Will the admission office accept that?
Thanks.
Clara Jiang.UCB offered our daughter the choice of traditional pathway, that being said that is NOT offered to all waitlist students, I know several who were offered First year pathway, and global edge, and not traditional.One of her roommates was in freshman pathway they live in the dorms, can rush, but go to class at another location close to Cal for first semester, and I believe theres an added cost. MadeJade-As far as essay goes she wrote about her continued volunteer work and how she felt it had enhanced her interests in her career goals, and the ways in which she felt she had grown over the course of those few months, and yes there was a word limit i don’t remember how many words.
I was wondering if it’s ok to submit an official transcript. On the waitlist opt-in form, it says unofficial. Does it matter?
@SeniorSzn My understanding is that the fact that you are submitting it makes in unofficial. Its only official if it comes directly from the high school to the Admissions office, or if you send it in an envelop sealed by your high school.
My son is on waitlist. He applied for eecs. Does this mean there is no hope since UCB’s eecs accept rate is low ?
@aDad2019 it’s really hard to say how the waitlists will shake out because no one knows how many people will reject UCB and how many waitlists were offered. I’m going to guess though that the yield for EECS for Berkeley probably is going to be quite high, so I don’t forsee many rejections from EECS admits.
To everyone: prepare for the worst (make sure you SIR to another school before May 1) and hope for the best (hope that the waitlist clear comes through)…
About to submit my waitlist form with the essay 
@Gumbymom What do you think one’s chances would be to get off of the waitlist for L&S Physics? Also if I’m OOS, do you think I’d get a notification within the first round?
@tennisninja: Based on the past 2 years, a high percentage of students were taken off the waitlist. If it will be the same for this year, hard to tell. Everything depends upon how many accepted students SIR by May 1. Right now you need to get excited about your other options and SIR to another school by May 1.
When do the ‘first round’ notifications usually come out?
@Techplus: Last year the first notifications were May 7th.
@Gumbymom Thanks! Also how likely is it that I will get off the waitlist as an international?
@TechPlus: Since UCB does not breakout in-state vs OOS vs International admits in their waitlist stats, so no way to know your chances.
Are we expecting the first wave in the first week of May (has it ever been later than May 7)
Does Berkeley verify your 7th semester grades with your official transcript if you get in? Some of my classes may have different grades (probably lower) by the end of the year. Also are 7th semester grades pivotal to getting off the waitlist? I had a C+ my first semester in a post-AP math class.