Can I made to UC school?

Question

I have a very big problem right now. I want to attend for a UC school but I'm not doing that well. I'm a junior right now and have 2.6 GPA which isn't good. I don't consider going to community college even I know its good for me, but I want to go to UC straight. I wonder can i get to an UC school with a certain test score or any chance? Please tell me... thanks!

Answer 1

UCs have a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 (3.4 for non-resident) for Fall 2007 applicants. Is 2.6 your overall high school GPA starting from your freshman year? For application purposes, they only count 10th and 11th grade classes. I don't know if you are on a trimester or semester system but it's already almost end of your junior year. However, if you score really high this semester, let's say close to 4.0, your GPA will get a big boost since you are only counting two years worth of grades. However, remember that just meeting the minimum requirement is probably not enough. You will most likely need about 3.5 to stand a realistic chance.

Do you have any special talents such as you play an instrument or you are good in sports? In that case, just having the minimum might get you in.

Going to a JC, if that's what you end up doing, will give you a second chance to do better. I suggest you to take a look at TAG (transfer admission guarantee) program at your local JC that guarantees admission to a UC of your choice (except Berkeley and UCLA, I believe). That might also serve as a ray of hope.

Answer 2

It depends on a number of factors. Are you disadvantaged or otherwise hindered from devoting more time to your studies? Are there underlying reasons why you aren't doing better? Are you taking extremely hard classes and just having a hard time competing?

You'll probably have to justify why you aren't doing better. I doubt a single test score will compensate for 4 years of substandard academic performance. Keep in mind getting in is not the end goal. The UCs hold tough standards because the incoming students are a tough bunch. It's not like high school - you're in direct competition with your fellow classmates, no one else. You'll be going up against students with 3.8 and 4.0s who have taken nothing but AE and AP classes since they were freshman. No UC administrator wants to admit you if they think you'll get disheartened and quit, or fail outright.

You may have a chance at some of the less prestigious UCs. It can't hurt to try. You need excellent standardized test scores, and you have to convince the selection committee that you will compete, and contribute, effectively in a field where the average freshman is significantly more prepared than you. Good luck.

Answer 3

I don't mean to be disrespectful in any way or insulting. But your English skills really need some help. I am assuming you are a non-native English speaker. (If you are a native speaker, you may be in trouble.) So you may want to get some private tutoring sessions.

As for community college, it's a good idea to go for two main reasons: (1) it's a much cheaper way to get your GE credits out of the way, and (2) you can improve your grades and increase your chances of getting into a UC.

Answer 4

You're trying to get in under the "exclusion" category. Don't qualify normally, so you gotta give a reason. Usually, it's cuz you had some super disadvantaged life. Still, your grades and SAT scores are pretty bad (1800 right?) so I really doubt even Riverside would take you.

Just go to a community college.

Answer 5

you need a 3.0 to be eligible for UCs, but you can also be eligible by examination alone. i think you need an average of around 700 on each section of the sati/iis.

Answer 6

score high on the SAT and make sure u raise your GPA... its nothing wrong with going to a community because the classes are alot cheaper... but make good grads and you should be okay