I was wondering if anybody can give me any insight into how much AO’s at UCI care about extracurriculars. I know that the top tier UCs like Berkeley and Los Angeles put more weight on EC’s than the other UC schools, because most of their applicants are very academically strong, so the EC’s help showcase the stronger people. But what about UC Irvine? I know it’s a very good school, and I’m sure they do strongly consider EC’s - but are they THAT important to this school? I’m involved in CSF at my high school now, and I have over 250 hours of community service, all from the same place. But other than that, I have ZERO other extracurriculars. I focus so much on academics that it’s hard to find the free time. But this year (I’ll be a junior), I plan to get a little more involved. But as far as just those two activities go, would that be considered too weak? I’m in many APs and my GPA is very high. If I raised my GPA with these upcoming APs and have strong SAT scores, is that enough in addition to the extracurriculars I described already to make me a strong applicant at UCI? Thanks for the feedback.
EC’s will not make up for lower than average GPA and test scores.
GPA/Test scores/HS course rigor, essays, EC’s and interest are all considered Very important by UCI so Academics will get your application looked at but the essays and EC’s could make you stand out.
As always, the strength of your EC’s and essays are dependent upon the AO reading your application.
Application review criteria:
- Berkeley
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Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores -
Important: Extracurricular activities, Volunteer work, Work experience -
Considered: Character/personal qualities, First generation college student, State residency -
Note: Thorough review of academic performance; likely contribution to intellectual and cultural vitality of the campus; diversity in personal background and experience; demonstrated qualities in leadership, motivation, concern for others and community; non-academic achievement in the performing arts, athletics or employment; demonstrated interest in major. - LOR’s by invitation only as of 2017
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Davis
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Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores -
Important: Character/personal qualities, Extracurricular activities, Talent/ability, Volunteer work -
Considered: First generation college student, Geographical residence, State residency, Work experience -
Note: Scholastic achievement most important, followed by school and community activities, academic interests, special circumstances, special achievements and awards
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Irvine
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Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Extracurricular activities, Level of applicant's interest, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores, Talent/ability, Volunteer work, Work experience -
Important: Character/personal qualities, Class rank -
Considered: First generation college student, Geographical residence, State residency -
Note: Demonstrated record of academic preparation, educational engagement, talent and skills important.
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Los Angeles
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Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores -
Important: Character/personal qualities, Extracurricular activities, Talent/ability, Volunteer work, Work experience -
Considered: First generation college student, Geographical residence -
Note: GPA, test scores, course work, number of and performance in honors and AP courses most important. Essay considered. Strong senior program important. Extracurricular activities, honors and awards also reviewed.
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Merced
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Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores -
Important: Class rank, Extracurricular activities, Talent/ability -
Considered: Character/personal qualities, First generation college student, Geographical residence, Level of applicant's interest, Recommendations, State residency, Volunteer work, Work experience -
Note: Academic record and test scores determine eligibility.
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Riverside
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Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores -
Considered: Character/personal qualities, Extracurricular activities, First generation college student, State residency, Talent/ability, Volunteer work, Work experience -
Note: A fixed weight point system comprehensive review model that culminates in an Academic Index Score to determine admission for incoming freshmen.
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San Diego
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Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores -
Important: Character/personal qualities, Extracurricular activities, First generation college student, State residency, Talent/ability, Volunteer work, Work experience -
Note: High school course pattern, GPA, essay and test scores most important. Admission for out-of-state applicants more selective than for residents.
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Santa Barbara
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Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores -
Considered: Character/personal qualities, Class rank, Extracurricular activities, First generation college student, Level of applicant's interest, State residency, Talent/ability, Volunteer work, Work experience -
Note: Eligibility established by high school GPA, course requirement, and SAT scores. Special consideration for disadvantaged students.
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Santa Cruz
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Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores, State residency -
Important: Character/personal qualities, Extracurricular activities, First generation college student, Geographical residence, Talent/ability -
Considered: Volunteer work, Work experience -
Note: Test scores, GPA in required subjects most important. Personal statement very important.
GPA and SAT count a LOT more.
Wow! @Gumbymom, great list!
@aunt bea: I cannot take credit for the list. It was posted by another CC poster and I copied it for future reference.