What are my chances of getting into a UC school?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Objective:
SAT I: 1880 | Critical Reading: 600, Math: 560, Writing: 720 (I plan on taking it two more times… Aiming for a 1900+)
SAT II: US History: 500 (Should I even bother sending this to colleges?)
ACT: have not taken, possibly going to take this fall
UC GPA: 3.45
GPA at my high school: 3.87
AP: AP English Language, AP US History (I have not received my AP exam scores.)
Senior Year Course Load: AP Biology, AP Psychology, Government/Economics, Advanced Chamber Choir, Honors Precalculus, British Literature
Major Awards: “academic achievement” awards from school every year since 9th grade, Community Service award (completed more than half the required community service hours for that grade level, which is 30 hrs… I go to a private Catholic high school.)-11th grade

Subjective:
Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): Choir (10th-12th grade), Medical Focus Program (9th-12th grade), Key Club (10th), Leo Club (11th grade, Position: treasurer), California Scholarship Federation (11th-12th grade), Spanish Honor Society (11th-12th grade)
Volunteer/Community Service: I volunteer at a hospital for 4 hours once a week (have complete 120+ hours so far).
Personal Statement: I’ve written only one so far, the one about a personal talent/quality/etc. I focused my essay on how I always grew up shy and felt out of place for a good majority of my life but that I wanted to break out of my shell, so I joined choir. And through that, I’ve developed more confidence in myself and discovered a hidden talent (singing). The other essay is still in the works.

Other:
Intended Major: Biochemistry
State: CA
Ethnicity: Asian
Gender: Male

Reflection:
Strengths/Weaknesses: I am aware that my profile is pretty weak. But I’ve always dreamed of going to a UC, so I’m willing to take my chances and apply. I guess the only thing that is strong on my application is my personal statement because it shows that I take initiative and that I’m willing to take risks, but even that might not be good enough.
Which UC schools? UCLA, UCI, UCR, UCSC (and whichever you think I would have a chance in). If I’m REALLY lucky, I really hope to get into UCLA, but I won’t be surprised if I get rejected.
Other schools? San Francisco State Univ., Univ. of San Francisco, Cal State Univ. Long Beach, San Diego State Univ., Univ. of the Pacific, Cal Poly SLO

I just finished my junior year, and this is what I have done throughout high school thus far. I know that the UCs are very competitive in terms of admissions, but I really want to attend one. Please give me advice on what I can do to improve my application and which UC schools would be right for me. Thank you.

2

um possibly not UCLA or UCI but you can try. only apply to those you have chance for cause applying to any others will probably not be worth the cost.

3

UCR and UCSC would be your best chances but outstanding essays may give you the boost you need for some of the other UC’s. The Cal States listed are good Matches and safeties except for SLO which could be tough but possible. UC’s are very GPA focused so if you have a good explanation for your slightly low GPA (for CC standards) you should mention it in the additional comment section. UC’s can be unpredictable so apply, just be realistic about your chances.

4

What about my extracurriculars? I know they’re not outstanding, but do you think they help my application, even if just a little?

5

bump

6

EC’s will help but how much?? it really depends upon the Adcom looking at your application. You have good EC’s but nothing that really stands out. I think your essays will have a greater impact. Good luck.