I am an incoming senior which means college apps are approaching and I can’t be any more anxious/stressed/pressured enough at the moment! I plan to major in either Biology, Human Biology, Biochemistry, or something along the bio sciences depending on which are impacted. Here is my current list of schools I am planning to apply to this fall:
-UC San Diego
-UC Irvine
-UC Riverside
-UC Santa Cruz
-Cal State Fullerton
-Cal State Long Beach
-Pepperdine University
-Azusa Pacific University
W GPA 4.29, UW GPA 3.79, UC GPA 4.07
ACT 25
New SAT 1140 (retaking)
EC’s:
-National Honor Society
-California Scholarship Federation
-Peer tutor
-Yearbook Staff team leader/ member for 2 years now
-Volleyball trainer for the girls varsity team at my middle school
-Over 200+ hours (and counting) at a convalescent home/hospital I’ve been volunteering at since 8th grade
-Over 100+ hours (and counting) at my church
-French club member
-Rosary and Arts club (we make rosaries, crafts, and do service projects for the those in need)
-Piano (lessons once a week)
-Summer job
Also, I am part of the UC ELC Program (top 9 percent in my HS)
Based on research, the only reach school with my test scores and GPA on my list is UCSD. However, I do know that what I see online isn’t up to date so it can be different.
Which schools are my best matches and which ones should I know to be okay with if I don’t get accepted to them? Are there other schools I should consider? Or are there any I should take off my list for good? All answers appreciated. Thanks!
You have a solid GPA but your test scores will be a hinderance for UCSD and UCI. For UCI, you want to target around a minimum 1250 SAT and 28 ACT. For UCSD, you want to target a minimum 1400 SAT and 31 ACT.
Biological Science majors are impacted/capped at these campuses so the competition will be tough.
UCR and UCSC are within Reach.
Being ELC eligible, only means that if you are not accepted to a UC of your choice, you will given a spot at UC Merced if room is available.
For Cal State Fullerton and Long Beach, they admit by Eligibility index and major. Being in the local service area will give you priority but since both campuses are impacted, there is no guarantee.
EI= (CSU GPA x800)+(SAT Math+CR) or (CSU GPA x200)+ (ACT comp x10). Your EI for SAT is 4396 and ACT EI is 1064. I think both these schools are Match schools.
Pepperdine looks like a Match school and I am assuming APU will be your safety.
Best of luck and try to bump up your test scores.
For UCSD, try to get a 30+ ACT or 1400+ SAT. You may also want to take a few subject tests. The other schools will be matches and safeties for you and I think you can get into most of them with relative ease. Good luck! I would appreciate it if you could chance me back here: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1995754-chance-me-low-gpa-rank-cornell-rice-wash-u-ucla-etc-p1.html Thanks!
Test scores will hold you back for UCSD and UCI. Raise them to above a 30 or above a 1400 and you should be good. Your GPA is good for the schools you are looking at.
UCSD will be a reach, but the others may work out. Monterey Bay (CSUMB) is good also.
Thank you! I’ve also added LMU to my list as well. How big of a shot do you think I have there?
LMU:
Average GPA: 3.8
25th percentile SAT: 1150
75th percentile SAT: 1300
25th percentile ACT: 26
75th percentile ACT: 30
You are within range so I would say a Match school, but bumping up your ACT score can definitely help your chances.
If intended for applying med school upon graduation, UCR should be focused due to its EAP program.