Is there any chance I could get into a top UC?
I am going to be a junior in fall and am concerned about whether I will get into a prestigious college in California. My GPA is low because of personal issues (3.4, max 3.55 by the end of junior year) although I know colleges won't really care about why. My extracurriculars are decent but I'm not sure if they could make me stand out and/or compensate for a lower GPA.
I have:
- Started a nonprofit organization focused on aiding domestic violence victims that raised over $10,000.
- Started a book drive that raised over $15,000 and donated over 300 books to hospitals and shelters near me.
- Reached Eagle Scout rank in Boy Scouts
- Taught for over a year (will be 3 years by application date) at a swim academy
- Been president of the American Heart Association for two years and held fundraisers to donate to children's hospitals (specifically for children suffering from cardiovascular diseases)
- Been research director at an already established nonprofit organization taking action to aid victims of SA and rape.
- Volunteered over 100+ community service hours
Future Extracurriculars:
- Volunteering at the Stanford blood center (possibly an internship) (not completed yet)
- Gotten an internship at Washington Hospital (not completed yet)
Please let me know if there is any way I might be able to get into Stanford or a top UC! If there's anything I may be able to do to increase my chances, I would love to hear from anyone!
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1 answer
You have to be careful. Show your personality. While these top colleges require these heightened extracurriculars, most of their applicants have them. They key to getting into these top colleges really is your essays. Show them why you’re you and why you’re unique. Show them why your application is you. Show them authenticity. Remember, THE ADMISSIONS OFFICERS ARE STILL HUMAN BEINGS. Your extracurriculars may be impressive to safety schools, but are pretty really average to TOP schools. The key to standing out is being you. Show them enough of you. DONT boast. You can definitely get into any school you like. Just don’t try to be who you’re not. And remember, if at the end of the day you don’t get accepted, it’s their loss. Place value on your self and write your essay confidently. I don’t know your religion, but I’d advise you to pray to your God. Believe in your self. You don’t need anyone to do that for you. Do you get me? You are a start and you are special.
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Thank you so much 😭 I really appreciate that! I don’t wanna let my parents down and I really want to get into a top school but I’m scared. .