What are my chances at UCs and other schools?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Hey guys! I’m an incoming junior in HS and I’ve been looking at colleges. I wanted some help on figuring out which ones are best for me. Please help me out if you can because I’ve been extremely anxious about junior year since I messed my sophomore year up.

Here’s what I’m aiming for my stats to look like by the end of junior year: (note that this does not count 9th/12th grade year)
UW: 3.77
Weighted: 4.1
Weighted and capped: 4.03
SAT goal: 1400+
ACT: 32+

Majors:
Anything in Biology

Preferences:
UCs (not Riverside or Merced), Ivy Leagues, and, least of all, CSUs.

Additional Information:

  • First Generation College Student
  • In 4 extra-curricular teams.
  • Creator and club president of a school club that encourages school wide unity.
  • Volunteered +50 hours for parades and events.
  • In JROTC program and awarded 2 leadership awards.

(Ps. My dream college is UCSD, but I’m afraid of getting rejected. What are my chances of getting in and how can I increase them? Is it a reach?)
Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Extremely stressed high schooler.

2

You need another year of grades before anyone can give you an idea of your chances. UC’s use 10-11th a-g course grades.

You are on the right track so keep up the good work.



Freshman admit rates (2016) for UC GPA of 3.80-4.19:



UCB: 14%

UCLA: 14%

UCSD: 44%

UCSB: 54%

UCD: 58%

UCI: 65%

UCSC: 85%

UCR: 94%

UCM: 96%



Freshman admit rates for UC GPA of 4.20 or above (2016):



UCB: 42%

UCLA: 54%

UCSD: 87%

UCSB: 85%

UCD: 91%

UCI: 94%

UCR/UCM: 98%

3

For first gen, all bets are off, meaning your chances are better than these stats above. Colleges are looking for 17 - 21% build for its freshman class from first gens. Good Luck!

4

First generation is important but you still need to be a competitive applicant (GPA/Test scores/HS course rigor/EC’s and Essays) and meet that academic threshold for a good chance especially at the UC’s. First generation is considered by not Very Important or Important based on the UC’s Common Datasets:

  • Berkeley

  • Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores
  • Important: Extracurricular activities, Volunteer work, Work experience
  • Considered: Character/personal qualities, First generation college student, State residency
  • Note: Thorough review of academic performance; likely contribution to intellectual and cultural vitality of the campus; diversity in personal background and experience; demonstrated qualities in leadership, motivation, concern for others and community; non-academic achievement in the performing arts, athletics or employment; demonstrated interest in major.
  • LOR's by invitation only as of 2017

  • Davis

  • Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores
  • Important: Character/personal qualities, Extracurricular activities, Talent/ability, Volunteer work
  • Considered: First generation college student, Geographical residence, State residency, Work experience
  • Note: Scholastic achievement most important, followed by school and community activities, academic interests, special circumstances, special achievements and awards

  • Irvine

  • Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Extracurricular activities, Level of applicant's interest, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores, Talent/ability, Volunteer work, Work experience
  • Important: Character/personal qualities, Class rank
  • Considered: First generation college student, Geographical residence, State residency
  • Note: Demonstrated record of academic preparation, educational engagement, talent and skills important.

  • Los Angeles

  • Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores
  • Important: Character/personal qualities, Extracurricular activities, Talent/ability, Volunteer work, Work experience
  • Considered: First generation college student, Geographical residence
  • Note: GPA, test scores, course work, number of and performance in honors and AP courses most important. Essay considered. Strong senior program important. Extracurricular activities, honors and awards also reviewed.

  • Merced

  • Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores
  • Important: Class rank, Extracurricular activities, Talent/ability
  • Considered: Character/personal qualities, First generation college student, Geographical residence, Level of applicant's interest, Recommendations, State residency, Volunteer work, Work experience
  • Note: Academic record and test scores determine eligibility.

  • Riverside

  • Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores
  • Considered: Character/personal qualities, Extracurricular activities, First generation college student, State residency, Talent/ability, Volunteer work, Work experience
  • Note: A fixed weight point system comprehensive review model that culminates in an Academic Index Score to determine admission for incoming freshmen.

  • San Diego

  • Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores
  • Important: Character/personal qualities, Extracurricular activities, First generation college student, State residency, Talent/ability, Volunteer work, Work experience
  • Note: High school course pattern, GPA, essay and test scores most important. Admission for out-of-state applicants more selective than for residents.

  • Santa Barbara

  • Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores
  • Considered: Character/personal qualities, Class rank, Extracurricular activities, First generation college student, Level of applicant's interest, State residency, Talent/ability, Volunteer work, Work experience
  • Note: Eligibility established by high school GPA, course requirement, and SAT scores. Special consideration for disadvantaged students.

  • Santa Cruz

  • Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores, State residency
  • Important: Character/personal qualities, Extracurricular activities, First generation college student, Geographical residence, Talent/ability
  • Considered: Volunteer work, Work experience
  • Note: Test scores, GPA in required subjects most important. Personal statement very important.