Ugh, I wish I worked harder in HS

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hey guys, this is going to be pretty long... I'd really appreciate it if each of you could just answer 1 or 2 out of all my questions.</p>

<p>So, this is me:
Weighted GPA (10th + 11th grade): 3.86, 46th in my class
SAT I: Verbal - 560, Writing - 660, Math 720
SAT II: Chinese 790, Math2c - 800, Chemistry - 770
ACT: Haven't taken yet, but plan to in December.
I know I can do better on the SAT. That was my first time, and I didn't prepare for it at all. I'm taking it again in November. I'm sure I can get in at least the 2000-2100 range.</p>

<p>I gotta say, those stats not reflect my real ability AT ALL... I did practically no work in my freshman and sophomore year... but excuses aside, now it's time to apply for colleges, and I don't look too good on paper. (Luckily for me, my grades have been going up the whole time... does that help me? A lot or a little?)</p>

<p>GPA by semester:
Freshman year(2 honor, 1 weighted): 2.40/3.40
Sophomore year(2 honors, 1 weighted): 3.60/3.60
Junior year (3 APs, all weighted):4.20/4.40
Right now I have 4 APs as a senior, currently getting As in every class because I'm finally applying myself... would be 4.80 if I keep it up</p>

<p>EC:
CSF (kind of like california's NHS...) - 2 years
Math Club - 3 years
Viewpoint editor of school paper
Joined the school tennis team last year, made it to varsity this year (I guess you can say I'm "passionate" about it, so I worked hard and improved pretty quickly)</p>

<p>My bunch of questions:
I'm looking at the better UCs. I know I'm applying to UCLA, Berkeley, and UCSD. (How do my chances look? Be brutal.) I'm still trying to pick 2 among the "lesser" UCs... I am interested in biopsychology/cognitive science, which of the UCs are stronger in this area? I'm also considering attending a community college and transferring. One of them in my area has a guaranteed transfer program to UCLA and UCSD... but aside from missing out on the "college experience," I heard that attention a community college would hurt my when I apply to a graduate school. (thinking about med school) Is that true?</p>

<p>As for privates, since I'm not particularly rich, I plan to only go to a private school if it's really really worthwhile. I'm looking for a good private school that gives "improvement" and "potential" a lot of weight. I think that would be in my favor. Could anyone throw some names out? Oh and from my research I'd love to go to Stanford (I'd love to be part of their Human Biology program), JHU, or University of Chicago (the campus is so great)... should I bother applying or do I basically have no chance at all?</p>

<p>Finally, is there any last-minute thing I can still cram in before now and application date that would help improve my chances?</p>

<p>Any comment would be appreciated. Thanks guys!</p>

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<p>Oh by the way if this helps I'm not born in the U.S... I moved here from China when I was in the 5th grade.</p>

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<p>I'd say it's going to be a reach to get into the top UCs.</p>

<p>Apply anyway. If you don't get in, attend a community college and transfer for junior year. Graduate schools aren't going to care that you transferred from a CC. You'll also save money.</p>

4

<p>Thanks.
So based on what you said, am I better off attending a lesser UC (like Riverside) and then applying to graduate school, or am I better off attending a CC, transferring to, say, UCLA or SD, and then applying to graduate school?
I still think that graduate schools would take into consideration what schools you've attended when they consider your application. I mean, certainly they would see students from schools with stronger programs as more prepared, wouldn't they? Community Colleges aren't exactly known for their academic prestige...</p>

5

<p>Anyone? (10 characters..)</p>

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<p>I would personally go the CC to more prestigious UC route. </p>

<p>Graduate schools arent going to care that you did your lower division coursework at a lesser school...whether that's a community college, CSU, or UC.</p>

<p>A lot can change in 4-5 years...even your desire to go to grad school.</p>

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<p>his GPA isn't that bad... prob one of the highest in a CC..(depends which CC)
most people who go to CC and succeed are immigrants but since you came during 5th grade, it doesn't help at all.</p>

8

<p>Well, I would hope my desire to go to graduate school doesn't change...
Even if I have CC as a back-up, I'd still like to apply to some universities and see if I can get in.
Could anyone name some good private schools that could be a good match for me?</p>