Very low UW GPA but much higher UC GPA?

<p>im wondering... what gpa do uc schools like ucla and berkeley care about more, uc gpa or uw gpa? my uw gpa is only 3.3, while my uc gpa is 4.0 (capped). will my uc gpa (which apparently is a little bit below average for berkeley and ucla) be able to save me from my low uw gpa? also, what are my chances of acceptance into ucla and uc berkeley if i have a 2250, perfect sat iis and ap scores, very rigorous courses, an upward trend, and decent ecs/essay (im oos)?</p>

<p>They care about UC GPA a lot more. A UC GPA of 4.0 is below average, you are right, but it’s not impossible to get into UCLA and UCB. A 2250 definitely helps your chances, if you can raise it even higher that’d be better, obviously. I think your essay has to be pretty darn good because with your GPA you don’t have that great a chance at getting in. Good luck</p>

<p>thanks for answering. i read somewhere that ucla’s average freshman gpa was 4.15 and berkeley’s was 4.18. is my 4.00 really below average in respect to those numbers (im not really familiar with the uc gpa and grading system)?</p>

<p>Well you might be closer than you think GPA wise. The statistics you looked at might be cumulative GPA (no cap on 8 semesters like UC GPA), so you’re GPA could be close to the average. However, think about the people that get in for sports for UCLA and Cal, which most likely alters the GPA to make the average a little lower. People with higher GPA’s have gotten rejected. But it depends on how rigorous your school is, your essay, and some other factors. Definitely apply because your SAT could make your GPA look higher (not, like, literally but you get what I mean)</p>