Applying to:
-UCLA (high reach)
-UC San Diego (reach?)
-UC Irvine
-UC Santa Cruz (safety)
-UC Berkeley (high reach)
-UC Davis
-UC Santa Barbara
-Duke (high reach)
-Penn (high reach)
-Pomona???
-USC???
Took 2 SAT Tests:
-1270 (Same score each time (uggh), don’t plan to submit)
Took ACT Test:
-31 (will submit)
AP Classes/(test scores)
-AP Biology (4)
-AP Psychology (5)
-AP US History (5)
-AP Calculus AB/BC, AP Computer Science Principles all in progress
Extracurriculars
-Dance Team - 2 years
-NHS
-Track and Field - 2 years
-Science Expo - Lead Photographer
-Volunteer Wildlife Rescue
-Student Tutor - 2 years
Female - white
I intend to major in biotechnology/biology.
For an alternate major, is it best to pick something unrelated - like Business/Economics?
You sound very similar to me in terms of which schools you’re applying to. Also, I want to do Computer Science but was considering Economics as an alternative to have an easier time getting in. You are definitely in the ball park for all of those schools except perhaps Penn, Duke, and Pomona. I would consider applying to some other state schools as safeties such as maybe Cal Poly SLO. If your essays are good, then I think you have a good chance at all the UCs besides Berkeley and UCLA which will be reaches (as you already know). UCSD is a very good option for biology and UC Davis and Irvine aren’t bad either. When it comes to UCLA and Berkeley, the essays will matter more because of your average test scores and GPA relative to most applicants. In terms of applying to Economics/Business, that might be better for the out of states. Feel free to ask if you have any more questions and good luck!
You seem to have done your college research homework pretty well and have a good idea already where you stand. You must’ve looked at Naviance from your school. Your geographic location will make a difference in terms of the publics you have on the list. If you are closer to Davis than Santa Barbara, for example Davis will give you a little for that. Biz/econ is sooo different than Bio! Why not try for the privates too? Talk to your parents, first about $, though.
UC’s are very GPA focused so your GPA is great and ACT is within range.
UCLA should be considered a Reach due to the huge # of applicants and the less than 20% acceptance rate. UCB also a Reach.
UCSD should be considered a Low Reach since Biology is a capped major, so make sure you select an non-capped major as an alternate. Econ is also capped at UCSD and they do not have a Business major.
UCD/UCI and UCSB would be Match schools since Biology is impacted at these campuses also.
UCSC: Safety
USC: Low Reach due to a slightly lower than average test score
Pomona: Low Reach due to test scores
Freshman admit rates for UC GPA of 4.20 or above (capped weighted) and not major specific;
Best of luck and Cal Poly SLO mentioned in the above post would most likely be a Match-High Match school not a Safety. Biology has around a 13% acceptance rate.
Thank you, so much for the candid advice. It was very helpful. Will apply to SLO, as well. btw - I have a similar lab at home, except he is a British Lab. He was such a cute puppy…
With that good of a GPA you can apply anywhere really. Your EC’s are decent. If you can try to retake the ACT, but if not a 31 is still good. As long as you write good essays you’re set for UC’s.
Penn is a bit of a reach, but if you cant write a solid essay then you have a good chance.