regarding acceptance to colleges like UCLA, they look at everything as a whole right?

Question

say I have low SAT scores like 1580, ACT 23 composite. But have good backup in everything else in jazz band, clubs, community service, volunteering, and more. Will back up work or not for UCLA?

general information:
4.12 GPA , president of 2 clubs, jazz band piano player(junior year), taken 13 AP exams passed 7 exams, and other.

Answer 1

UCLA is not that competitive. You should have no problem getting in with your stats. If you're worried why dont you take the SAT again and try to do a bit better. If your GPA is really 4.12 that shouldnt be hard.

Probably you should be considering going somewhere a little more competitive?

Answer 2

First, I assume you're a California resident. Besides the silliness of paying an exorbitant out-of-state tuition, you wouldn't have a chance as an out-of-stater.

Now, I'm going to say some unfortunately unpleasant things...

Your test scores are kind of low. They won't disqualify you but they are going to get a frown. And without your class rank, that 4.12 GPA is meaningless (I'd need to see unweighted GPA and/or class rank; back at my high school, it'd put you in the top 35% or so, and that's not too amazing). Passing barely more than half your AP exams is nice (they aren't easy after all) but not something to be particularly proud of either.

Now, for the upside...

Your extracurriculars are decent and as long as you've been putting in meaningful hours (esp. in the community service), this might be your saving grace.

Please apply to schools other than UCLA, also (apply there but also elsewhere). You aren't going to get an automatic rejection from UCLA but if you're admitted, you'd be a very, very close call and definitely well below their average applicant in terms of statistics.

Sorry to be harsh and Best of luck.

Answer 3

Go to the website of the colleges you are panning on applying for and see what the exact requirements are.