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Unweighted GPA: 3.7
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UC Berkeley application advice

Hi everyone! I'm applying to UC Berkeley this year and the whole process is a bit overwhelming. Can anyone share their experience with applying to Berkeley? Are there any specific extracurriculars, achievements, or essay tips that could help me stand out to the admissions office? Thanks so much!

9 months ago

Hi there! Applying to UC Berkeley can indeed be a challenging process, but I'm here to help. The key to standing out in your application is making sure to highlight your "spike" – that is, a highly-developed specialty in a certain field that you're passionate about. Top colleges are looking for students who demonstrate a high level of expertise in a particular area.

Extracurriculars and Achievements:

It is not just about the number of activities you do, but the quality and level of involvement matters. Aim for Tier 1 or Tier 2 extracurriculars, which demonstrate exceptional achievements or leadership at the national, state, or regional level. For example, if you've won a prestigious award or competition, been a leader in a significant initiative, or achieved a highly ranked position in a sport, those achievements can help you stand out.

Essays:

For UC Berkeley, you'll need to respond to four out of eight Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) within 350 words each. Select the questions that best align with your experiences and allow you to showcase your unique perspective. Some tips for crafting strong essays:

1. Avoid cliché topics: steer clear from writing about common themes such as adjusting to a new place, athletics achievements, or general struggles in a challenging course. Instead, focus on specific moments or unique aspects of your life that can better illustrate your personality and potential contributions to the UC Berkeley community.

2. Show, don't tell: use vivid descriptions, anecdotes, and sensory details to create a vivid picture of your experiences. Rather than simply stating that you're a good leader, share a specific example or story that demonstrates your leadership skills in action.

3. Be genuine: write about topics that are truly meaningful to you, even if they might not seem traditionally "impressive." Admissions officers appreciate authenticity and can tell when a student is trying to cater to what they think the school wants to see.

4. Reflect on your growth: discuss not only your achievements but also what you've learned from setbacks and challenges. Showcasing your ability to learn and grow from adversity can be just as impactful as highlighting your successes.

5. Proofread and revise: make sure your essays are well-organized, free of grammatical errors, and convey your message clearly. Ask a teacher, counselor, or friend for feedback to make sure your essays are as strong as they can be.

Remember that the UC Berkeley admissions process is holistic, meaning they consider your academic history, test scores (if submitted, as they are currently test-blind), extracurriculars, and essays to form a complete picture of who you are as a prospective student. Good luck with your application!

9 months ago

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