Hey guys, my two dream schools are UCLA and UCSB, with UCLA being the more ideal of the two. I would be grateful if you guys could look at my stats below and give me your thoughts on my chances and advice on how to improve them. Thanks!
My info:
Academics:
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
Weighted GPA: 4.4
SAT: 2280
ACT: 33
of AP's: 9
Class Rank: N/A
School Prestige: One of the top public schools in the country (in NY)
Extra Curricular:
VP of Entrepreneurship Club- 2 years
President of Entrepeneurship Club- 1 year
Robotics Club- 1 year
Model UN- 3 years
SAPE Club- 2 years
KEY Club- 1 year
Varsity Track and Cross Country- 4 years
Work Experience/ Community Service:
Lifeguard- 3 years, 100+ hours
Unpaid worker at family business- 100+ hours
Unpaid Tutoring- 80 hours
Volunteer at local food bank- 20+ hours
I’m pretty sure the unpaid worker at family business will not count. I used to do that every day at my parent’s place for five years and my honor society didn’t count them. If your parent’s business makes money, it won’t count. Volunteering is helping out for a nonprofit organization. (most of the time. don’t quote me tho.)
@aimlesswriter thanks for this, I was not aware of that
If your parents are not made of money, they will likely be too expensive.
Even if they are willing to spend the money, your GPA is probably low enough that your chance is low at UCLA and not that great at UCSB. And worse if you want a popular major.
@xcrunna4 No problem! But if I were you, I’d still put it on anyways and cross my fingers. 
I do believe that you have a good shot at getting in, but there are a lot of students who have perfect GPAs and SAT/ACT scores who get denied or wait listed. I know that UCLA has a low acceptance rate. You probably have a higher chance of getting into UCSB. But, you are an out of state student so you would really just have to apply and wait to see. I know people who have low scores and get in UCLA and I know people who had a really good high school resume who were denied.
@aimlesswriter thanks again! So would you say my GPA is my weakest point?
UCLA average ACT score ranges anywhere from 27-33 and the average GPA is a 4.0. Their acceptance rate is roughly 18%.
UCSB’s average ACT score goes from 26-31. The average GPA was listed around a 3.8 and the acceptance rate is around 36%.
So yeah, your GPA is your weakest point. You have a really good ACT score, so maybe they will over look it. If you have a challenging class load, it will also be very appealing.
I’ve seen kids with less than your scores (GPA, SAT/ACT) and average EC getting into UCLA from OOS. That’s because of the well known practice by UC in admitting more OOS students for your parents’ cash. Your chances are decent but don’t expect any financial aids from either of those UC schools.
You’re competitive at both.
Edit: Remember to calculate your UC GPA.
UCLA: Moderate/Doubtful
UCSB: Good/Very Good
I think it’s going to come down to your personal statement. I’m in similar boat, as in family business. I focused on my unpaid work at my dad’s restaurant in my personal statement, and I surprisingly got in to UCLA. You can check out my thread if you want to compare EC/Grades.
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/1875525-admission-results-uc-uop.html#latest
it might be a little difficult because i know UCLA looks for in state, but I still think you have a chance! Best of luck
^ it looks more easier for OOS nowadays if you have the money (for UCLA)!
Hey guys, my two dream schools are UCLA and UCSB, with UCLA being the more ideal of the two. I would be grateful if you guys could look at my stats below and give me your thoughts on my chances and advice on how to improve them. Thanks!
My info:
Academics:
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
Weighted GPA: 4.4
SAT: 2280
ACT: 33
of AP's: 9
Class Rank: N/A
School Prestige: One of the top public schools in the country (in NY)
Extra Curricular:
VP of Entrepreneurship Club- 2 years
President of Entrepeneurship Club- 1 year
Robotics Club- 1 year
Model UN- 3 years
SAPE Club- 2 years
KEY Club- 1 year
Varsity Track and Cross Country- 4 years
Work Experience/ Community Service:
Lifeguard- 3 years, 100+ hours
Unpaid worker at family business- 100+ hours
Unpaid Tutoring- 80 hours
Volunteer at local food bank- 20+ hours
@PharmPanda do you think being in-state helped you get in or no?
You have a shot at both but my advice…you may have to play a little “politics.” Go visit some of the professors and admins. I’ll never forget how I got in Univ of Cambridge…it all started with an email then a phone interview. You’d be amazed what you can achieve if you add some “personality” to your application