Want to apply to Berkeley, USC & UCSB - what are my chances?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Currently I’m a high school junior in Colorado but I want to attend college in California and my top choices are UC Berkeley, USC and UCSB. Any feedback on my chances of getting into those with these stats?

GPA (unweighted): 3.80
GPA (weighted): 4.15
ACT Score: 28

If anything, I will emphasize my extracurriculars. I have an internship at a local newspaper, I’m a member of three clubs at my school, a tutor and mentor for freshman (MMP program) and I’ve done 200+ hours of community service. This summer I’m attending a pre-college residential program at Stanford, which I’m really excited about. I also recently joined “Jefferson County Youth Leadership” program and I run cross country.

On another note, I was born (and lived for seven years) in Russia and I fluently speak three languages and I was home schooled for seven years. I have several athletic and academic awards and one congressional record from a regional award for which I was nominated for by my teacher. In college I’m still deciding between a major in journalism or economics, and I will be applying for financial aid.

So, what are my odds? (:

2

Your odds at Berkeley aren’t too good, but it’s worth an application. Quite a bit better at the other two.

3

GPA looks on target, ACT is ok for UCSB. For USC and UCB, you want something closer to 30+. Your EC’s look good and if you write some amazing essays, they will give you a boost. UCSB and UCB give little to no financial aid for OOS students, so you are looking to pay close to $55K/year. USC does give decent FA.

4

Great chances at USC and UCSB