What are my chances for these UCs?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Hi! I would really love to get feedback from college students and graduated seniors about my chances of getting accepted into the following UCs: San Diego, Los Angeles, Berkeley, and Irvine. Btw, I am an incoming senior, who also takes college courses at my local community college to complete my IGETC in replacement of taking many AP courses at my high school.

UCLA and UCB is a pretty big stretch with my scores and extracurriculars, but I can always dream, right? I know your words won’t determine the thoughts on my application from the colleges I will be applying to, but I am just dying to know what you guys think. Constructive criticism and honest opinions are appreciated because I have about four months until apps are due.

I am a Asian-American female from California! Nothing special. I am interested in double majoring in Political Science and Communications, but it may change. If I were to go to UCI, Criminology, Law, and Society is a possible major.

Highschool GPA/Rank:

Total GPA (9-12): Weighted - 3.96 Unweighted - 3.88
Acad GPA (10-12): Weighted - 4.20 Unweighted - 4.00
Class Rank: 84/427 (Top 20%, I know… lame.)
10-12 Rank: 63/427
This is from my transcript in December 2015, so numbers probably changed? I have no idea.

Community College GPA: 3.85
I’ve taken 33 units so far - two grades are processing for 2016 summer semester and I’ve gotten one B out of the seven classes I’ve passed so far, not including the classes in processing.

APs/Honors Classes:
I don’t take many because I take courses at a CC since I can complete more credits in a shorter period of time.
10th grade: Honors Chemistry (A)
11th grade: AP Environmental Science (3)
12th grade: I will be taking AP Government

SAT Scores (oh god, it’s not up to UC standards… i know… working on it):
Total Score: 1170/1600
Math: 560
Evidence-based Reading and Writing: 610
Essay: 6/8
I know I have to work on this. I am taking one (maybe two) more SAT tests my senior year and have been prepping during the summer, especially for math. Aiming for a high 1200 and hopefully reach for a 1300?? (I know, it’s a reach)

Extracurriculars/Community Service:
-Gay Straight Alliance Club: Member for 2 years, VP for one of those years, and I will be President this year
-Youth Leadership America: Secretary and Youth Board Director for 7 months
-Link Leader for Freshmen at my school: 1 year
-Youth Representative for an LGBTQ+ Committee at my school’s district office: 1 year and 2 months (ongoing)
-Judoka: About 2 years
-Junior Statesmen of America Club: Member for 1 year and ongoing
~Approximately 90 hours of community service!

Work experience:
-Baskin Robbins Crew Member: ~5 months and ongoing

I don’t think my scores and experience is sufficient enough for 3/4 of these UCs, but I have no idea. My top school is UC San Diego. I just need fresh eyes on this and any feedback is greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance. :slight_smile:

2

Your EC are good, UC’s are more focused on GPA/Test scores and only give pay a lot of attention to them if they are really outstanding and you have had a special circumstance etc. Your GPA is fine for UCSD and Irvine, but they may still be reaches because your test score is not at par with the admitted averages. Calculate your UC GPA using rogerhub and note that Berkeley and I think UCLA as well don’t use capped GPA, so they count points for all UC Honor courses (your gpa could possibly be higher based on the courses you took). You would be a competitive applicant for UCSD, Irvine if you get your SAT to atleast a 1400 and write some good essays, and I think you know Berkeley and UCLA are reaches but if you’re feeling lucky who knows right :)?

3

UCI is probably a Match since they like high GPA’s over test scores. For UCSD, UCB and UCLA, you really need to increase your test scores into the 1300-1400 range for a solid chance. You have good EC’s and your dual enrollment CC courses/GPA look great. Spend time on your essays and they may give you boost to help in getting into UCSD. Make sure you have some solid Match schools (UCSC/UCR) and safety schools on your list (local CSU?). You want to make sure you apply widely so you do not get shut out in the Spring.

Good Luck.

4

Thanks for the information, Mn021777! I have three months until I take the SATs and I am studying as much as I can to improve my score by at least 150-200. Crossing my fingers!

Gumbymom, do you think my chances are slim for UCSB and UCD as well? I have been researching their political science programs and UCD seems pretty good for local internships since it’s near Sacramento. Also, some compare UCSB to UCSD and say that it is slightly better, depending on the student and teachers you have.

5

I think you have a higher chance at UCI vs UCD and UCSB, but having some Reach schools on your list is fine and since it is the same application, worth your time to apply. Your GPA is competitive for all these schools, but bumping up the test scores will definitely make you a more qualified applicant. Always better to apply widely and have more choices in the end.

6

With a 3.85 CC GPA and the right collection of classes, you are a competitive applicant at all the UC campuses but, you never know. Be sure to TAG your favorite.
Good luck.