What should you write for Berkeley's waitlist optional essay?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
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1

Today, I got waitlisted at Berkeley as an EECS major. While I am certain to opt-in for the waitlist, as this is my first college waitlist, I do not know what I should really write for the optional essay.

I did read Berkeley’s waitlist FAQ and learned that I should write about any awards or recognition I earned, course changes, or challenges I faced since submitting my application. However, I don’t really have any noticeable changes in my school life due to COVID. Am I really limited to talk about the aforementioned topics, or can I treat this essay as some sort of LOCI and demonstrate how I would use Berkeley’s education for my success?

I am really desperate to join the Cal Bear community; any advice to increase my chance even a slight bit would help me a lot… Thank you so much in advance!!

2

Maybe talk about any new challenges faced at school?

I found this on reddit, give it a read

"I got waitlisted last year too, so I totally know what you’re going through.

First though - you should breeeaaathheeee. College admissions can be pretty stressful, so it’s a good idea to take step back (smoke some pot lol) and relax.

Now that you’ve done that (actually do try to relax), let’s talk about the essay + grades:

For the grades they ask for in the first section - make sure you stay on top of them. The committee might forgive you for an A to a B+, but falling to a C in any of your classes, in my eyes, would vastly lower your chances. Keep those grades up!

tldr: Senioritis is ok, but not too much.

For the essay, treat it like an update for the admissions committee. It’s an invitation to tell them all you’ve been up to this year, be it in the classroom, on the field, or any other place your extracurriculars might take you. Here’s where it’s really important to “be yourself”; you want to let your voice shine to the point where it truly feels like I’m talking to you. If you’re passionate about something recent you’ve been doing - let them know.

The above part of your essay should be like 250-350 words, so make sure you prioritize the important stuff. In the next part of your essay, give 'em what they want.

Above all admissions committees want qualified students, that truly want to go to their school. So you, being the qualified waitlisted student that you are, give 'em just that.

If there are specific academic interests/extracurriculars you want to continue at Cal (ex. Blockchain) reach out to the organizations for those interests (ex. Blockchain @ Berkeley) and get involved by asking for info/attending workshops etc. Afterwards, simply write about your experience in the essay. Actually reaching out, and getting involved with the community, through actions, speaks waaaayy louder than anything you can say. So get involved."

3

Same here!! Got waitlisted but love Berkeley so I’m really trying to emphasize “why Berkeley” in addition to what I’ve accomplished since submitting my app (much like a LOCI)

4

Also, do u know how many other ppl were waitlisted?? Seems like a lot of ppl this year and I’m a little concerned🥲

5

Just explain what u did after application. Don’t try to simp the college. It will annoy the admission committee and make them think u as a easy boy/girl who’s very cheap.

6

Cal accepts between 1,000 and 1,500 kids from the waitlist each year - pretty legit compared to some other schools. Take the essay seriously if the school is still high on your list.

https://opa.berkeley.edu/campus-data/common-data-set

7

So would it not be worth even mention how I would continue what I’ve been doing when I get into Berkeley?

8

No just say what u gained from the experience. Try to keep it short so the AO won’t fall asleep after reading. The longer isn’t always the better.