This was great content, so thank you for taking the time to do it. As a reader, were you ever made aware of how students from a specific high school performed at UC Berkeley? In other words, do certain high schools have reputations for producing well-qualified students?
It's wonderful to hear that you found the content helpful. As for your question, UC Berkeley, like other UC schools, evaluates applications using a comprehensive review process. This means they consider a variety of factors beyond just academic performance, such as extracurricular activities, personal insight questions, and special talents or achievements. While the reputation of a high school might be noted, the focus is more on the individual applicant's achievements and potential. Each application is reviewed in the context of the opportunities available to the student, so students from all types of high schools have the chance to stand out based on their own merits. So, while some high schools might have a history of students who perform well at UC Berkeley, the admissions process is designed to give every applicant a fair evaluation based on their unique profile.
Hi Amy, Plenty of great questions amongst our videos! :) UC Readers see the entire application so if the information is listed under the parent's education background, they will see it. We'd love to get you on a call to help! You can book via our link in our description! :D
@ thanks! We are in the home stretch with my senior so trying to get some questions answered. Unfortunately, can’t quite afford your services but I appreciate all the free content! Love you guys!
Hey, thank you so much for this video it was very informational! Im pretty worried about my chances into getting into a UC school, I currently have 3.09 GPA with a 3.36 UC GPA. I know they take into consideration extracurriculars and essays a lot, but while I have some extracurriculars (one of them ive been doing for 9 years) and (I think) slightly above average essays do you think I might have decent chances into at least getting into one of the UC schools? Im just crazy worried because most kids im seeing are way more qualified than me are applying and heard the application pool is a lot larger this year.
First off, it's completely normal to feel a bit anxious about the college application process, but remember, you've got some great things going for you! Your GPA is just one part of your application, and UC schools use a holistic review process, which means they look at the whole picture, not just numbers. 🎉 Your long-term commitment to an extracurricular activity is a huge plus! It shows dedication and passion, which are qualities UC schools value. Plus, your essays are a fantastic opportunity to showcase your unique story and perspective. Make sure they reflect who you are and what you've learned from your experiences. While the application pool might be larger, each applicant brings something unique to the table. Focus on what makes you stand out and highlight those aspects in your application. Remember, UC schools are looking for a diverse range of students, and your unique experiences and insights are valuable. Keep your head up and stay positive! You've got this, and your hard work will pay off. Best of luck with your applications!
I'm a high schooler with a 3.83 GPA and 4.29 UC GPA. I wondered if I should apply to math, which is easier to get into, or engineering, which aligns with my extracurriculars.
If your extracurricular activities are more aligned with engineering, it might give you a stronger application in that field because it shows your passion and experience. However, if you feel a strong interest in math and believe you could excel there, it could be a great choice too. Remember, colleges often look for students who are passionate and have a clear direction, so choose the path that excites you the most and where you feel you can make the most impact! No matter what you choose, you're on a path to success, and that's super exciting! 🎉
Hello! We do have a college essay service if you are interested! Here is the link! app.hubspot.com/payments/hCV4SWptSm?referrer=PAYMENT_LINK Do not wait until the last minute!
Hi, I've been having this question for a while now. On the additional comments section, should I disclose a weird grade trend in my soph year if it is REALLY personal and might be a red flag to admissions officers? I was SA'd during that year and my gpa dropped a little from a 3.8 from my freshman year to a 3.5 sophomore year, then I got a 3.9 my junior year to average out to a 3.7 UW UC gpa and a 4.07 UC capped GPA. It's kind of low for Berkeley and UCLA... What would you say is the best way to talk about this experience? I'm kind of hesitant to even put it on my application because it might make my app seem negative...
First of all, thank you for reaching out with your question and sharing something so personal via the comment. I want to take this moment to say you are really strong for overcoming it! It's a really important one, and you're definitely not alone in wondering about this. The additional comments section is a place where you can provide context for any unusual aspects of your academic record, and it's completely understandable to feel hesitant about sharing personal experiences. The UC application has two sections for additional comments: one for academic comments and another for additional comments. This is where you can explain any grade trends that might seem unusual, like the one you mentioned. It's important to frame your experience in a way that highlights your resilience and growth. You might consider focusing on how you overcame challenges and what you learned from the experience, rather than the details of the event itself. (More of the How I grew from this rather less on the what happened with the very limited word count you have) This can show admissions officers your strength and ability to bounce back. Remember, admissions officers are looking for a complete picture of who you are, and sharing your story can provide valuable insight into your character and determination. It's all about how you present it, so try to keep it focused on your achievements and growth since then.
@@collegeadmissionsecretsone more question: since there’s 2 additional comments sections would u recommend in my case to use the academics one? really appreciate ur help!
@@Ryawn28 When it comes to the UC application, you have two additional comments sections: one for academic comments and one for general additional comments. Given your situation where you are explaining about a dip in your GPA, it would be appropriate to use the academic comments section to address the grade trend. This section is specifically designed for providing context to any unusual academic patterns. However, it doesn't matter too much as long as you explain it somewhere. If your academic comment section is already filled with other information, you can put it in the general additional comments. :) Again don't focus too much on the context of what happened but more of the effect and growth of yourself as an individual! :D
Hello, first of all, thank you so much for making this! I have a quick question though. I had a 4.0 freshman, sophomore, and currently senior, however, in junior year my grades dropped (i got 4 Bs over 2 semesters). This kind of brought my UC GPA down to a 3.83. But, I have a lot of other academic-related activities, like published research, so would this make up for my GPA a bit? Another question is in my 2nd semester I got a B+ in AP Chem. But, in our school AP Chem is split into 2 period and thus 2 grades. So, one grade is shown and weighted on my transcript twice. Would they understand that I got one B, but it is just show twice or not? Should I mention this in my addition comments or academic history section? Thanks again!!
Hey there! First off, it's amazing to hear about your dedication and hard work throughout high school. 🎉 Let's dive into your questions: GPA and Academic Activities: Absolutely, your academic-related activities like published research can definitely help bolster your application! Colleges, including the UCs, appreciate a well-rounded applicant who demonstrates passion and initiative beyond just grades. Your involvement in research shows depth and commitment, which can positively impact your application. GPA is just one portion of your application. AP Chem Grade: Regarding the AP Chem grade being shown twice on your transcript, colleges are generally familiar with different school systems and how courses like AP Chem can be structured. It's a good idea to provide a brief explanation in the academic comments section of your application to clarify this. This way, the admissions officers will understand that it's the same grade reflected twice due to the course structure. Keep up the fantastic work, and best of luck with your application!
This was great content, so thank you for taking the time to do it. As a reader, were you ever made aware of how students from a specific high school performed at UC Berkeley? In other words, do certain high schools have reputations for producing well-qualified students?
It's wonderful to hear that you found the content helpful. As for your question, UC Berkeley, like other UC schools, evaluates applications using a comprehensive review process. This means they consider a variety of factors beyond just academic performance, such as extracurricular activities, personal insight questions, and special talents or achievements.
While the reputation of a high school might be noted, the focus is more on the individual applicant's achievements and potential. Each application is reviewed in the context of the opportunities available to the student, so students from all types of high schools have the chance to stand out based on their own merits.
So, while some high schools might have a history of students who perform well at UC Berkeley, the admissions process is designed to give every applicant a fair evaluation based on their unique profile.
Do the readers see if you are a first generation college student (parents did not complete a degree) or do we put that in one of the extra fields?
Hi Amy, Plenty of great questions amongst our videos! :)
UC Readers see the entire application so if the information is listed under the parent's education background, they will see it.
We'd love to get you on a call to help! You can book via our link in our description! :D
@ thanks! We are in the home stretch with my senior so trying to get some questions answered. Unfortunately, can’t quite afford your services but I appreciate all the free content! Love you guys!
Hey, thank you so much for this video it was very informational! Im pretty worried about my chances into getting into a UC school, I currently have 3.09 GPA with a 3.36 UC GPA. I know they take into consideration extracurriculars and essays a lot, but while I have some extracurriculars (one of them ive been doing for 9 years) and (I think) slightly above average essays do you think I might have decent chances into at least getting into one of the UC schools? Im just crazy worried because most kids im seeing are way more qualified than me are applying and heard the application pool is a lot larger this year.
First off, it's completely normal to feel a bit anxious about the college application process, but remember, you've got some great things going for you! Your GPA is just one part of your application, and UC schools use a holistic review process, which means they look at the whole picture, not just numbers. 🎉
Your long-term commitment to an extracurricular activity is a huge plus! It shows dedication and passion, which are qualities UC schools value. Plus, your essays are a fantastic opportunity to showcase your unique story and perspective. Make sure they reflect who you are and what you've learned from your experiences.
While the application pool might be larger, each applicant brings something unique to the table. Focus on what makes you stand out and highlight those aspects in your application. Remember, UC schools are looking for a diverse range of students, and your unique experiences and insights are valuable.
Keep your head up and stay positive! You've got this, and your hard work will pay off. Best of luck with your applications!
I'm a high schooler with a 3.83 GPA and 4.29 UC GPA. I wondered if I should apply to math, which is easier to get into, or engineering, which aligns with my extracurriculars.
If your extracurricular activities are more aligned with engineering, it might give you a stronger application in that field because it shows your passion and experience. However, if you feel a strong interest in math and believe you could excel there, it could be a great choice too. Remember, colleges often look for students who are passionate and have a clear direction, so choose the path that excites you the most and where you feel you can make the most impact!
No matter what you choose, you're on a path to success, and that's super exciting! 🎉
Do you think you can read my PIQs???? College applications are almost due and i’m freaking out.
Hello! We do have a college essay service if you are interested! Here is the link! app.hubspot.com/payments/hCV4SWptSm?referrer=PAYMENT_LINK
Do not wait until the last minute!
Hi, I've been having this question for a while now. On the additional comments section, should I disclose a weird grade trend in my soph year if it is REALLY personal and might be a red flag to admissions officers? I was SA'd during that year and my gpa dropped a little from a 3.8 from my freshman year to a 3.5 sophomore year, then I got a 3.9 my junior year to average out to a 3.7 UW UC gpa and a 4.07 UC capped GPA. It's kind of low for Berkeley and UCLA... What would you say is the best way to talk about this experience? I'm kind of hesitant to even put it on my application because it might make my app seem negative...
First of all, thank you for reaching out with your question and sharing something so personal via the comment. I want to take this moment to say you are really strong for overcoming it! It's a really important one, and you're definitely not alone in wondering about this. The additional comments section is a place where you can provide context for any unusual aspects of your academic record, and it's completely understandable to feel hesitant about sharing personal experiences.
The UC application has two sections for additional comments: one for academic comments and another for additional comments. This is where you can explain any grade trends that might seem unusual, like the one you mentioned. It's important to frame your experience in a way that highlights your resilience and growth. You might consider focusing on how you overcame challenges and what you learned from the experience, rather than the details of the event itself. (More of the How I grew from this rather less on the what happened with the very limited word count you have) This can show admissions officers your strength and ability to bounce back.
Remember, admissions officers are looking for a complete picture of who you are, and sharing your story can provide valuable insight into your character and determination. It's all about how you present it, so try to keep it focused on your achievements and growth since then.
@@collegeadmissionsecretsThank you so much!
@@collegeadmissionsecrets Thank you so much for the thorough answer. I had the same question and I’m glad it was asked.
@@collegeadmissionsecretsone more question: since there’s 2 additional comments sections would u recommend in my case to use the academics one? really appreciate ur help!
@@Ryawn28 When it comes to the UC application, you have two additional comments sections: one for academic comments and one for general additional comments. Given your situation where you are explaining about a dip in your GPA, it would be appropriate to use the academic comments section to address the grade trend. This section is specifically designed for providing context to any unusual academic patterns.
However, it doesn't matter too much as long as you explain it somewhere. If your academic comment section is already filled with other information, you can put it in the general additional comments. :)
Again don't focus too much on the context of what happened but more of the effect and growth of yourself as an individual! :D
Hello, first of all, thank you so much for making this! I have a quick question though. I had a 4.0 freshman, sophomore, and currently senior, however, in junior year my grades dropped (i got 4 Bs over 2 semesters). This kind of brought my UC GPA down to a 3.83. But, I have a lot of other academic-related activities, like published research, so would this make up for my GPA a bit?
Another question is in my 2nd semester I got a B+ in AP Chem. But, in our school AP Chem is split into 2 period and thus 2 grades. So, one grade is shown and weighted on my transcript twice. Would they understand that I got one B, but it is just show twice or not? Should I mention this in my addition comments or academic history section?
Thanks again!!
Hey there! First off, it's amazing to hear about your dedication and hard work throughout high school. 🎉 Let's dive into your questions:
GPA and Academic Activities: Absolutely, your academic-related activities like published research can definitely help bolster your application! Colleges, including the UCs, appreciate a well-rounded applicant who demonstrates passion and initiative beyond just grades. Your involvement in research shows depth and commitment, which can positively impact your application. GPA is just one portion of your application.
AP Chem Grade: Regarding the AP Chem grade being shown twice on your transcript, colleges are generally familiar with different school systems and how courses like AP Chem can be structured. It's a good idea to provide a brief explanation in the academic comments section of your application to clarify this. This way, the admissions officers will understand that it's the same grade reflected twice due to the course structure.
Keep up the fantastic work, and best of luck with your application!