What are my chances in getting into UCI, UCSD or UCLA?

Question

Asian female

junior going to be a senior,

In an academy called SAS.Senior year plan on taking
ap calc.
ap gov't
ap bio
ap eng. lit.

and probably maybe some community college classes

So far GPA: 4.06

from 9-11th grade

5 ap classes
2 honor classes

Extracur. activities & comm. services

Keyclub: 2+ years
Ecology Club: 2+ years & historian 1 year
CSF: 2+ years
Leadership: 1+ year
EAOP: 2+ years
UCLA Ap Readiness Program: 2+ years
Church Youth Group: 9+ years
Job Experience: 2+ years

I just took the SAT I first time and scored badly...1260...goin to retake test again..hopefully do better

havent taken SAT II or ACT yet...

have a brother whose in UCSD right now...= legacy?

Answer 1

You're in remarkably good shape, save for the SAT score (though honestly, unless you're super obsessed, everyone does poorly their first time around). Your GPA is great, though keep in mind that if a lot of it is coming from 9th grade, they don't count that. Also keep in mind there's a limit on how many AP classes they count as weighted when the UC system recalculates your GPA. Only your 10th and 11th grade grades count for admissions (coupled with the "strength" of your senior schedule). If you're taking AP's definitely strive to 1) do well, and 2) take the AP test; it can be very helpful when it comes to placing out of requirements at UCSD, UCLA and UCI. You definitely must take 2 SAT II subject tests, though they can be of your choice (must be 2 different subjects though, so no double history or double math etc...). If you intend to apply for engineering you should take math II and some sort of science. You can take the ACT if you want (I strongly recommend it, since A LOT of people do better on it than their SAT). The UC system takes either SAT or ACT, as long as you take the ACT with writing.

Your senior schedule seems strong. Don't get (major) senioritis and fail everything. The UC's can revoke admissions if your grades drop below a certain level. I think if you're going to get any C's or D's you have to report that right away so they're aware of it and can take action/talk to you about it.

The UC's don't practice legacy admissions (so they say), so you having a brother at SD doesn't help much (though he can probably give you the ins and outs of the university a little better).

You have a great shot at SD and Irvine. Of course, both UCLA and Berkeley (which I would also STRONGLY recommend applying to) are the most competitive UC's and two of the best public schools in the world, let alone the nation, so the competition is INTENSE. That said, you have better stats than I did when I applied (again, save for the SAT score) and I got into both.

Do focus on your essays a bit; make sure they're good, since they do matter a lot more than any college will tell you (and that goes for ANY college you apply to, not just the UC's).

Basically, you have to bring up your SAT score a bit. And of course, the admissions departments at every school are always a bit wacky. But you seem like a qualified candidate. You should also consider applying to Stanford, Caltech (if that's your sort of thing lol), Pomona and one of the Claremont colleges. You should also consider (if you're willing to leave the state) Cornell, NYU, Brown, Duke, Northwestern, Notre Dame, University of Pennsylvania/ Bryn Mawr, Rice, the University of Michigan, University of Virginia, and Columbia/Barnard and pretty much anyone below any of those in the rankings.

Answer 2

You could probably get into UCI if you continue to make A's and B's (but more A's). Maybe you could get into UCSD. UCLA is only a realistic option if you have over a 4.0.

Answer 3

Depends on the major you select... sometimes its best to go in as "undeclared" or "psychology" or "sociology" and then change to whatever it is you really want to do. Your first two years are almost all general ed classes anyway.

I wouldn't worry too much about UCI or UCSD. I'm sure you'll get in there. UCLA is a bit tougher and I would definately like to see the SAT scores higher... say 1400+. You'll get there. You seem pretty smart.

Answer 4

it was ur first time takin the sat...itz normal....a lot of ppl don't do well the first time around....just study up for it...and I think you have a shot!