<p>My dream is to attend UC Berkeley. I was wondering if previous or current students of UC Berkeley could give me an insight on how their college admissions process was. I already know the requirements as seen from their website but personal stories would be greatly appreciated.
Can personal statement overpower GPA, SAT scores? In addition, how important are SAT Subject tests? I know they don't hurt your application but if you do take them, do they really help your college app.?</p>
<p>Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance and GO BEARS!!! :)</p>
<p>“Can personal statement overpower GPA, SAT scores? " Generally NO
" In addition, how important are SAT Subject tests?” Read above
" I know they don’t hurt your application but if you do take them, do they really help your college app.?" If you score well, you’ll increase your chances.</p>
<p>I think my personal statement actually really helped me out. I had a good gpa, 3.98 unweighted but terrible test scores… 1940 SAT, 31 ACT. I think when you’re just barely there the personal statement can make or break your application.</p>
<p>I think the test scores are definitely more important than the personal statement, but a good personal statement is obviously necessary. Most importantly, I think they look heavily at how you performed relative to your school. </p>
<p>I know someone who had an abysmal SAT score (like…really abysmal) but a stellar high school GPA. He didn’t even know he had to re-take the SAT after he got his score, that’s how bad his school/environment was. He took a couple AP classes and didn’t get awesome scores. </p>
<p>And he got in, in my opinion because his school (in-state, by the way) set the bar so low. </p>
<p>The more resources/opportunities your school has, the more Berkeley wants to see you take advantage of them in your application.</p>
<p>T26E4: Yes, I have look at UC Berkeley’s websites and have read the website link that you gave me before. I would just like to hear from people who have had experience! Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>You do know that UC does not require SAT subject tests? Some majors, maybe engineering, might look at a good math score to boost your application, but they are not required.</p>
<p>I am considering a major relating to Public Health or Nutritional Sciences. I am thinking about being a pediatrician when I get older. My main goal in life is to help children and improve health issues in the world! Thanks for your reply!</p>
<p>GoldenWest: Yes, I do know that UC’s do not require subject tests anymore. Just wanted to hear from others with experience on how their subject tests may have helped improve their chances in being admitted. Thanks for your reply!</p>
<p>Hey, I am a current UC Berkeley undergraduate, and I recently started a blog about admissions tips as well as college life tips. I have three posts in my “Admissions Tips” tab, two are the UC Essays I wrote and one about an article by a person who read applications for UC Berkeley. Check out my blog and it’ll definitely help you out.
If you have any questions about applying to UC Berkeley in particular, feel free to comment on my blog or message me on here.</p>
<p>Hi berkeleybreach:
Thanks for your reply! Both of the website links did help a lot! I do hope my EC are enough! Like you, I also am interested in helping people, children in particular, in health through natural medicine. Your excerpt from your Prompt #1 was cool!
Good luck in your studies and GO BEARS! :D</p>
<p>I don’t think in any situation, for any school, can a good personal statement/essay compensate for poor grades. I feel like ECs, however, can, to an extent.</p>
<p>Thank you both ucbalumnus and prowlings for your advice.
prowlings: I definitely agree with your statement. ECs are very important. They are beneficial not only for the college resume but personal experience as well. It can help in your personal statement as well to prove your passionate endeavors.
Good luck to you both in your studies! :D</p>
Thanks for your reply!</p>