Any Hope in Getting into UCLA?

Question

I'm going into my Senior year of high school and REALLY want to go to UCLA next fall ('09), but i don't think that I did well enough in high school to get in. Can you look at my credentials and tell me you're opinion?

- 3.354 GPA (about a 4.2 if you don't include my Freshman year grades. I'm not exactly sure how UC does that.)

- I did terrible my Freshman year (1.75 GPA at the end) but made straight A's through my Sophomore and Junior year w/ Honors and AP classes which include:

Honors Brit Lit

Honors World History

Honors Spanish III

AP US History

AP Economics (Senior year)

AP Government (Senior year)

AP Literature (Senior year)

- SAT: Reading - 680, Writing - 600, Math - 510 (I'm taking the SAT again in October, hoping for much better scores)

- Varsity Cheerleader for 2 years

- DECA member for 2 years

- Marketing Path/ Diploma Seal (6 units of marketing classes)

- I will start volunteering at my local Animal Shelter within the next 2 months

- Homecoming Court and Prom Court (Junior Year)

- I've been at my job for a year and will be there for another one

In my essay I will explain to them why my Freshman GPA was so low and how I realized my mistakes and corrected them. Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

I think you have an average chance. I would make your GPA a little higher. I live in GA too, but I would take advantage of the hope scholarship, and maybe go to UCLA for a master degree. It's just a thought. Good Luck!

Answer 2

How did you get a 1.75 GPA for your freshmen year???

But yes, i think you still have a chance in getting into UCLA. UC schools mostly focuse on your grades in Sophomore and Junior year. If you're really doing good in both your SOph and Junior year, like a 4.0 GPA as you've said, then yes, the chance is good. Also, UC schools look at the classes you've taken in high school. By looking at the HOnors and AP classes that you've taken, you really have a high chance in getting into UCLA. Remember, colleges do not want students getting high GPA but with easy cheesy classes. They want students with high GPAs but with hardcore classes. ANd you've satisfied their goals!

Your SAT isn't bad it's 1790. Yet, many of the students who got in UCLA have scores around 1900-2100. THerefore, study hard and get a better grade for you SAT in october. Prolly like a 1900 or plus.

Your extracurriculurs are impressive. Make a good essay out of it!

And yes, DO EXPLAIN WHY YOUR FRESHMEN GPA WAS LOW. Explanations are always a way in getting students out of danger in getting into colleges.

OVerall, if you get a higher SAT and make good essays out of your activities and explain why you got low grades in freshmen year, i'm sure you will have a HIGH chance in getting into UCLA.

You're actually good at everything. You're on the top in GPA. Your SAT now isn't bad but you could do better. It's just your freshmen year GPA. SO good luck! Don't worry, you have a very high chance.  

Answer 3

Well if your in california, you have the requirements and such. Just a matter of chance. Aim for the "balanced student" approach where your very sociable and do well in school but not an over-achiever. Make sure you write a reeeeaaaaally good essay on your UC application. Basically in your essay you talk about how you've become such an awesome person (discreetly) because you have learned so much and your completely focused on what you want. They have enough students exaggerating the pain and hardships they endure just so they can get into a dream school. I suggest showing how your a very positive person and influence your friends (cheerleading)

PS. Don't go to UC riverside. Even if the grant they give you is very appealing.