Question by Krystal: I REALLY want to go to UCSB! Do you think I can get in?
I’m a girl, and a California resident (I actually live in Santa Barbara County, around an hour or less away from SB).
I’m a senior in high school, I’m Mexican, and I’m a first generation college student.
I’m sort of disappointed with my overall GPA, which is about a 3.5.
I did nothing my freshman year, not that much my sophomore year, but started to get involved in my junior year.
I had a 4.0 for the first half of my freshman year, and a 3.17 the second half. (i hated it)
I had a 2.83 (horrible) the first half of my sophomore year, and a 3.57 the second half.
Those first two years, I didn’t take AP classes or anything.
In the second half of 10th grade, I got involved in the school newspaper/journalism class.
11th grade: I took AP English and got a B, had a 3.86 the first half, and a 3.71 the second half. I was also still in the Journalism class.
12th grade: I am currently taking Algebra 2 and have a B, I took AP Microeconomics and got a C- (eh) and am in the school play, so i also have drama. I don’t have journalism anymore.
I am also currently taking AP Government and Politics.
I am along taking AP English this year, along with Psychology.
I’ve gotten Academic Excellence awards twice since I’ve been in high school, and I’ve done a pretty good amount of volunteer work (although I don’t think it will exceed 100 hours)
I volunteered at a care center for the elderly over the summer, I’ve volunteered a couple of times at the Boys and Girls Club and at a Headstart.
I’ve been in a club called Link Crew with my high school for the past 2 years (the club is very new; I’ve been in it since it started up)
I participated in something called the Black and White Ball last month. Important people from the community nominate you if they like you and the things you’ve done, and you are judged on your personality and how you answer the questions in the interview.
I am also currently in a club called ASTRA. We do a lot of community and volunteer work, and i really like it.
I’ve taken a film class at a community college and did very well in it, so that counts as college credit.
Film is what I want to study in college.
I enjoy acting, filmmaking, everything about movies; they’re my passion.
I’m struggling with my personal statement right now, because I’m trying to make it as perfect as I can before I have to submit my application.
I’m elaborating on the fact that much of my family struggled with graduating high school, and many did not even graduate at all.
I’m also talking about how encouraging they are, and how it’s really contributed to my attitude towards life.
I’m also going to talk about my passion for film, and how I think it’s important to really follow your passion, and how my family how helped my learn that.
I really want to get into one of the UC’s.
I would LOVE to get into UCSB, because it’s the closest to the city I live in.
I forgot to mention my SAT score.
I got a 1560 overall.
It was my first time taking it, but I can’t always use that as an excuse, I guess.
I really want to know if I have a chance! Help? :O
I’m also taking my subject tests next month.
English and History; my 2 favorite subjects.
Best answer:
Answer by Jim Holtz
I am an admissions advisor at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. At our school, a 3.0 GPA with a minimum of a 30 on the ACT is required. On top of that, 1 year of geometry, 1 year of advanced algebra and two foreign languages are required.
Given your set of qualifications, I would be inclined to say yes. Believe it or not, more 4.0 students are denied access than their counterparts in the mid-range 3.5’s. This is because most “A only” students fail out or do not return after their freshman year. This can be attributed to a clear set of goals set by instructors in high school. Those who have not aced all of their classes know that there is more to learn than what they know.
In short, I believe you have enough to get into USCB. Make sure that you check with your admissions advisor regarding a foreign language requirement. I don’t want to assume that you speak spanish, but if you do be sure to test out of it if you have not taken a foreign language in high school already. FYI: students who naturally speak another language other than english and take a different foreign language in high school are what I call a “shoe in”.
Good luck!
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