Tips for getting in either UC Berkeley?

Answer 1

1. GPA aim for something (well) above 3.8. I went in with a 4.3 from a po-dunk high school in BFE. The lowest incoming GPA I knew of personally (amongp eople NOT on the football team) was my roommate who had a 3.75.

2. SAT scores need to average above 600 in each section (and that's a generous estimate. safer would be to break 700 in all categories). I took the old test and got in with a 620 verbal, 660 math. SAT 2 bio 710, writing 660.

3. Extracurriculars: the more, the more diverse, the merrier. I was in band, played 2 varsity sports, student council for 3 years and I did a bunch of stuff and won a bunch of awards I can't remember.

4. Class ranking should be in the top 4%, and it doesn't hurt to be valedictator.

5. Previous college experience is a plus; it demonstrates that you have the capability to handle college coursework. I did a summer program at UCSB summer after junior year and got an A in college writing and a B+ in econ 1. Grades are transferable in the UC system, too.

6. Don't apply to an impacted major. It's safer to call yourself undeclared.

Answer 2

My dad went there, it all depends on what you want to study, but be prepared to work very hard, it is a very challenging school. Take the ACT/SAT a lot and do a lot of extraciricular stuff and get involved at your HS.