UCLA and Berkely

Applying to College
1

<p>A couple of months ago I went to an interview with a college professor of art history. This wasn't an interview with the college, but rather an interview that allowed me to figure out what colleges and careers to go to for majoring in art history. She mentioned that UCLA is a good school for art history, but I don't know much about the school. I haven't really looked much into it because I don't like the idea of living in LA or California, but it is a really good school so I figure I should look into it. Also, is Berkeley good in art history too? I would much rather live there than in LA. The other schools I'm currently looking at are WUSTL, UChicago, Williams and Vassar. I'm retaking the SAT in October (hoping for 2200). Also, I'm retaking the SAT II in November. Last time I had barely any time to study for them, hence the bad scores. I've taken lots of art courses because I used to think I wanted to go to art school, but I didn't want to lose academics. I want to major in art history because it is a good combination between art and academics for me.
Do you think I would be a good candidate for either UCLA or Berkeley?
Here are my stats:
SAT: 2060, CR: 700, W: 690,M: 690
SAT II: lower 600 for all
GPA: 4.6 W (may be higher, I will know at the start of the new semester)
AP English test : 4
Top 10% of class 17 out of 365</p>

<p>Junior year classes: AP English 3, AP US History, Pre-AP Spanish 3, Pre-AP Algebra 2, Pre-AP Physics, Graphic Design and Illustration, Pre-AP Studio Art 2</p>

<p>Expected Senior year classes: AP English 4, AP Government, AP Economics, Pre-AP Pre-Cal, AP Environmental Science, Adv. Graphic Design and Illustration, AP or IB Art</p>

<p>ECs:Art Club president since Sophomore year( this year we're becoming a National Art Honor Society chapter), NHS member, Teen Docent at Dallas Museum of Art this summer, volunteer at grandmother's church, helped design and paint mural at the square in my town along with students from University of North Texas, Volunteer at the Children's art tent at the Arts and Jazz Fest in '10 and '11.</p>

<p>Also, I don't know if this would help with admissions, but I am a Type 1 Diabetic. If it would help let me know. I know some schools consider "special circumstances", but that's a bit vague.</p>

2

<p>Yes, you are an excellent candidate for any UC, but a 2200 would certainly help. Yes, UC does take into consideration overcoming hardships, so if your diabetes has limited you in any way…Note, however, that UC does not do merit aid, so you would be full pay if OOS. For than kinda money, I highly recommend a private.</p>

<p>Williams has an excellent AH program. Chicago is awesome too. (Dunno anything about Vassar.)</p>

<p>Comment: Williams & Chicago and Vassar offer far different educational experiences than does a large public research Uni.</p>

3

<p>How is their need-based aid? I have to go to a school with good financial aid. I was looking at NYU, but their financial aid would not cover what I need. I was accepted to Bard College at Simon’s Rock my Sophomore year, but could not attend due to financial reasons. When I filled out the FAFSA for that it said my efc was around $5,500. Would UCLA or Berkely meet that, or something near that?</p>

<p>Also, which is better for art history, UCLA or Berkeley?</p>

4

<p>All UC aid is poor. Cut them from your list. UC will not cover the OOS portion of the fees, even if you have zero EFC. NYU does not meet full need, but if you have the numbers for Williams, NYU might up thier offer.</p>

5

<p>I’m thinking about cutting Vassar from my list. I am positive I want to major in Art History, and their program is OK, but not fantastic. I don’t want to apply to NYU and be let down when I can’t afford to go. I wanted to just look at UCLA and Berkeley because I know they’re good in that major, but I don’t think I’d like a large public University.</p>

6

<p>don’t cut it!</p>

7

<p>I haven’t really heard much about their art history program or their art courses. I’ve done lots of research on Vassar though and really like the school as a whole.</p>