Can someone with knowledge in UC schools please rate my HS goal material and if I have any chance into UCSB.
Freshman year: 3.0 (really bad I know) - but I’ve been told UC looks at freshman year but doesn’t calculate gpa calculate off it
Sophomore: 3.6
Junior: 3.7
Senior: 3.7
Only one AP
College prep private school.
28 act / 1750 sat
1000+ service/volunteer hours
I still have junior and senior year and act and sat’s. These are just my goals. I know they’re pretty bad compared to other students but I am trying 
what needs fixed the most? More ap’s? Overall higher gpa? Better scores? Please don’t say “everything” unless they’re just so bad I have no chance to UCSB. Unfortunately, I’m also OOS. :’(
First, before I give you some advice. As an OOS you will get little to no financial aid, so expect to pay $55K/year to attend UCSB. Make sure your parents can afford it.
That said, the UC’s do not consider Freshman grades in their UC GPA calculation, but you still report them on your application and you need passing grades for all the a-g required courses.
http://www.ucop.edu/agguide/a-g-requirements/
On the calculator, you can only use AP classes for the extra honors points.
http://rogerhub.com/gpa-calculator-uc/
UC’s consider course rigor very important in admissions. If your school offers many AP classes and you have not taken advantage, then this will hurt your chances. On the other hand, if your school offers very few then it will not hurt your chances.
USCB’s admissions are more holistic than some of the other UC campuses. 50% is based on GPA/Test scores and 50% on EC’s and essays. Really work on your essays and make them shine.
Definitely retake your SAT and/or ACT. Aim for at least a 1900+/29+. You are on the right track just keep up the good work.
Thank you very much for this response! Yes, my school does offer APs in every class, do you suggest I hop on the opportunity now to start piling on the APs? Also regarding your last statement, so will my hours help lots?
Thanks!
Your community service hours will help especially if it shows your passion and consistency. Leadership positions are a definite positive also, so look for an opportunity that would allow you to show some leadership. In regards to AP’s, I suggest you take the AP classes you are most interested in versus just taking as many AP’s as possible. 6-8 AP’s total by the end of your Senior year is usually sufficient to be considered competitive. If you think you can handle more, then take a few more, just make sure your grades do not suffer.
So if I took one AP sophomore year , two junior year and two senior year (shoot I don’t think UCSB calculates senior year either, but still check I believe) = total of 5 APs by the time I graduate
And manage to boost my ACT to 29 and sat to 1900
My final unweighted gpa as a 3.6 or a 3.7
You think I would then have a good shot at UCSB? Despite my poor freshman year? Cost is no issue btw
You would to need to calculate your UC GPA at the end of Junior year. Average UC GPA for UCBSB last year was a 4.03 weighted, ACT 29 and SAT 1932. Stats for this years class maybe higher. It wil also depend upon intended major. Many factors involved in admissions plus you still have a few years to go… Like I said you are on the right track. All you can do is try your hardest and there is always a chance.