What are My Chances?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Weighted 10-12: 4.23
Unweighted 10-12: 3.85
SAT Score: 1380 (Planning on Retaking in August)
I’m going to be a senior this year.
I want to go to UCI, UCSD, USC or maybe even UCSB
fallback: Cal State Long Beach, Cal Poly Pomona
My ECs so Far:
1 Year of Tennis from a Private Coach outside of School
1 Semester of Tennis in School
STEM Speak Club for all of Junior Year.
Mission Energy Club for all of Junior Year
1 Year of Tutoring a Student in Algebra 1 in my free time.
I’ve also helped teach kids Vietnamese at my local Buddhist Temple but only for a couple weeks with 3 hours each Sunday.
I’ve helped around with setting up occasional events for my Temple.
I have a bout a month left until school starts and I was wondering what else I could do to help me with my ECs since they seem to be pretty weak. What are my chances of getting into these schools? How can I improve my chances?

2

I would say you stand a decent chance at all the schools on your list since you have a competitive GPA and your test scores are in range.
USC may be tough with your SAT score, so raising it above the 1400 range will help.

Intended major will impact your chances especially for STEM. What is your intended major? Having EC’s related to your major can help and unfortunately since you are a rising Senior, not much more you can do prior to applications.

Work on your personal insight essays and make them standout.

CSULB and CPP are good safeties, but I would apply widely to the UC’s since they can be unpredictable. Include UCSC or UCR also Low Match/Safeties.

Freshman admit rates for UC GPA of 4.20 or above:

UCB: 42%
UCLA: 54%
UCSD: 87%
UCSB: 85%
UCD: 91%
UCI: 94%
UCR/UCM: 98%

Below will give you an idea of what each UC determines as important in their application review. Courtesy of another CC poster:

  • 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.
  • 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.