What are my chances at UC Berkeley if I don't have many extracurricular activites?

Applying to College
1

<p>I'm a California community college student with hopes of being admitted to UC Berkeley or UCLA as a pre-psychology major. My GPA is a 3.78 and my personal statements were well written. On the statement, I have indicated that I was in the military and how the experience transformed me to the individual I am today. Throughout the application, there was a section in which I was able to input my extracurricular activities, awards & honors, volunteering, and work experience. </p>

<p>On the page, I listed 4 organizations I had volunteered (hospital, homeless, red cross, and hospice care), 3 different jobs (EMT, work clerk, cashier), and numerous awards and honors (dean's list, military honors, and awards from work). On the extracurricular page, I only listed alpha gamma sigma (only activity offered on campus). </p>

<p>What I didn't know was that I was able to list activities I did outside of school. To my misunderstanding, I thought I was only able to list extracurriculars at my community college. I was unaware of this and I have nobody to blame, but myself. With my application already submitted (disallowing me to make any changes), would I be at any disadvantage? Perhaps I'm not Berkeley or LA material due to my understanding of the simple "extracurricular activities." I thought my volunteering, work experience, and awards would compensate. </p>

<p>I understand that schools such as Berkeley and LA look at the student as a whole. Hopefully, someone can help me with this because I'm going crazy!!! I had so many extracurricular activities to choose from!!! Tae Kwon Do practice, piano lessons, tutoring, chaperone at the local YMCA, and community organizer for military spouses. </p>

<p>I thank all of you for taking your precious time for reading my post. God bless you all and have a Happy Thanksgiving!</p>

2

<p>Compared to private schools, Berkeley and UCLA tend to be more numbers orientated. They are more likely to focus on GPA and test scores. </p>

<p>However, that is not to say that extracurriculars are completely ignored. From your list, you have nothing to worry about. Although those extra activities would have been excellent on the application, the ones you listed are certainly sufficient. Three different jobs, dedicated volunteer work, and numerous honors are nothing to sneeze at.</p>

<p>Again, the UC schools tend to focus more on GPA and test scores than the subjective portion of the application.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

3

<p>I’m a bit confused–if you listed your volunteer activites and work experience, you listed ECs. Whether or not they are on the EC page is irrelevant; they will be considered for admission.</p>