Yesterday, I found out that I was directly rejected at UCSD, which was expected, and waitlisted at UCD, which was also predicted in someway. While my stats, 4.08 uc gpa and 1410 new SAT, along with lacking ECs, were not impressive enough to make it in UCSD for sure, I was expecting, in the bottom of my heart, somehow to get accepted into UCD…I know now it seems pretty arrogant, but I’ve seen handful applicants, with lower gpa and test score, who applied as undeclared as I did, but got in…
Well, UCSB is my first choice, and that being said, those rejections do not depress me that much; Rather, now clearly I can see why I did not make it. However, if there is one thing which makes me nervous, then it is that rejection by UCD sounds like rejection by UCSB, as well…If my stats is not high enough to make it in UCD, then I do not think UCSB is impressed neither…
Can you explain more about your EC’s and the other parts of your application? As long as you applied to other schools, you will end up where you belong! 
And, waitlisted does not mean rejected!
What is your intended major? Based on your stated stats, you should be within the 25-75 percentiles for UC Davis. However, I imagine for competitive majors like Computer Science your stats would make acceptance a long shot. Comparing stats, it looks as if UCSB has slightly higher 25-75% test scores, but is roughly in line with UCD. The selection process is “holistic” so there’s a chance you’ll catch the eye of the reps at UCSB–so don’t give up hope. What other schools did you apply to?
Thank you guys… My ECs are just on - two years of two sports, one year of Mock Trial, and three years of Key Club with 60 hours. It is why I almost give up for UCSB as they look at ECs more than UCD does.
My major is not as competitive as Computer Science; I applied to as an undeclared major.
I got in some OOS universities, but because they are pretty expensive, I am willing to stay in California.
I’m in a similar boat, but I was rejected by UCD and UCSD. I really want Santa Barbara but I’m not too hopeful. Hopefully we both get in anyways!
I started reading this post and noticed that your grammar skills need some work. Then I looked at your previous post that indicated you originally came from another country in freshman year.
Did you have your English teachers indicate that you should review your application grammar data?
Your scores and GPA, are right in line, but your use of grammar is weak and would show on your applications. Sorry, I know it doesn’t help, but maybe you can use this information for an appeal?
Thank Aunt Bee for replying.
I know my grammar needs work, and that, as you mentioned, may be the reason not to make in any of UCs so far.
However, I’m not sure of using this in an appeal; I mean, I was originaly going to use the fact that I got straight As in senior first semester with 4 AP classes, as well as some clubs which I’ve been in three years, but I forgot to mention in an application. I thought my lacking English would do nothing for an appeal.
@HomeWithKevin Don’t lose heart. Watching our S go through the college app process this year has been a real roller coaster. Even students with excellent stats get rejected and then have an unexpected acceptance. Our S interestingly had the opposite replies as you. He was waitlisted with UCSD Comp Sci and outright rejected from Davis. He has been accepted by School of Mines, & WPI but then waitlisted at RPI. If you are an engineering major or a Comp Sci major and have graduate school in mind you should also remember that where you go as an undergraduate is far less important than how you distinguish yourself in your undergraduate studies. All in, try to treat yourself kindly during what is a very stressful time, but recognize that you will with your stats undoubtedly have some good choices.
Hey I know you posted this a few days ago, but if you still need some hope:
I think you have a decent chance at getting in IF you had good essays.
I got into UCD, UCI, and UCSD with
4.04 UC GPA
1410 SAT
30 act
260 scattered community service hours
I took one AP class in total (but had a reason for this and explained it)
My essays were about my extenuating circumstances. Im confident that my essays are what got me accepted.
@Versalia, may I ask what major you applied for?
@csdad all undeclared (I was pretty stupid)
letters and sciences at UCSB and life science college at UCD
I was waitlisted at UC Davis too, but don’t be too bummed.
I think, honestly, I am going to get waitlisted at UCSB, as well…
Two days are left till the decison comes out, but I already give up, and plan on attending either University of Wisconsin or University of Washington. I did not get any e-mails, like spring open house(?) nor any letter like Chancellor’s Reception. That being said, I have no hope…I wish you guys luck.
@HomeWithKevin Just take your mind off it as much as possible as no matter how much you worry, you will still get the same decision. Also, keep in mind that waitlisted does not mean rejected. Be optimistic, and realize that there’s nothing wrong with either UWashington or UWisconsin. I wish you the best of luck.