UCLA dreams: real chance or just a dream?

Question

Hi guys, well, it's almost time to begin the application process, and like many in cali, my dream school is UCLA, but unfortunately, my grades are very subpar in comparison to accepted students, however, my scores are pretty good.

Here is what I have done so far:

Cali Resident

Ethnicity: Irish-Scotts, English, Lithuanian, Malay, Chinese

Background: Middle Class, not first generation

GPA: 3.5 UW, 3.77 UC, 3.85 Private Weighted

ACT: 31 composite (29 M, 31E, 30R, 34S) 9 essay

SAT II:

US History: 700

Literature:

Aps:

APUSH: 5

APBIO: X

EC’s:

• Varsity Fencing (06-07)

• Volunteer Work in Malaysia, (reference photos and newspaper article) summer 07

• Book club (05-07), closed due to poor attendence, secretary for 07

• Music Appreciation club (07-09), co-founder and president

• Member of Chinese club (06-07)

• Shadow program (only for freshmen, 05-06)

• CSF (08-09)

• St. John’s volunteer food for needy (07-09, get that up to 100+ hours)

• De Young Museum Ambassador Program (05-06, wished to continue, did not want it to interfer with school)

• Biotech Internship (summer 08), over 200+ hours, working primarily with Business department and the interworkings of a business.

So, I feel that I am going to apply regardless, but what would you say my chances are for the business economic major is?

I also am trying to bump up my ACT to a 33, which I feel can be done, would that help a great deal.

What I feel my chances are: 25% chance of being accepted as is, 40% if I get that 33, is this about right?

basically, any help would be great, thanks!!

Answer 1

I'd actually put you at 50/50 now with a good essay and in with a 33.

Your GPA is a bit low but a 31 is well above average at UCLA which can offset GPA. The top UCs are not as hard to get into as most people think, they take almost a quarter of applicants and a ton of unqualified kids apply because it just takes checking a box once you do the UC application.