Hey all, I've been looking into UC Davis as one of my potential options. Just kinda confused about the Common Data Set. What details should I be focused on, and what do they really imply about the school's admissions process?
The Common Data Set for any school, including UC Davis, compiles a range of data about the institution that can be useful for prospective students. Here are the key sections you might want to focus on:
1. Freshman Admission Statistics: This data includes numbers on the total number of applicants, admitted students, and enrolled students, along with a breakdown of these numbers by gender. This can give you an idea of the overall competitiveness and selection rate.
2. SAT and ACT Scores: This section contains the 25th to 75th percentile range for admitted students' test scores. This can be helpful in understanding the academic profile of the typical admitted student. For the current application cycle (2024-2025), it's important to know that UC Davis is test-blind, meaning they don't consider SAT or ACT scores, so you might not find this section very useful.
3. Class Rank: This section provides information about the percentage of students who graduated in various segments of their high school class. This can give you an idea of academic qualifications beyond just test scores.
4. Secondary School Record: This section details what qualifications UC Davis considers during the application process. For example, it's helpful for you to know that UC Davis places the most emphasis on your high school transcript and the rigor of your classes.
5. Geographic Data: This section provides a visual of where UC Davis’s students come from. It’s broken down into percentages of in-state vs. out-of-state students, further clarifying the student body makeup.
6. Financial Aid: This part presents details about need-based and non-need-based financial aid, which can give you a better idea of what kind of financial support is available.
Keep in mind that while data can provide a snapshot of the school's admissions process, it only tells part of the story. The actual process of assessing an applicant's fit for the school involves a comprehensive review of many factors, often beyond what's listed in the data set.
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