The University of California - Berkeley

“I had good grades, worked really hard in highApr 21 2004Other
I had good grades, worked really hard in high school and took classes that interested me (for instance I didn't take any AP sciences because bleh, but I did take two years of AP French and summer courses at Cal State LA). I also did a lot of community service through Key Club (you might have Interact or something) and was the Pres. of the French club one year (nerdy as it was). I had a few poems published in a literary magazine (Cicada) and had pretty strong writing skills.

I suggest just being yourself in your admissions essay. The UCs do not ask for letters of rec. I wouldn't suggest doing something stupid and crazy for your essay, rather show off your real writing talent and showcase something you are proud of or some obstacle you've overcome (though don't do a sob story, focus on how it changed you and the way you think about the world, etc.)

Berkeley's pretty selective, so yes, you have to be good to get in. Especially for impacted majors I think. I came in as PoliSci but changed it later, actually, to something less impacted. I don't recommend trying to get in as, say, a development studies major when you really want to do Social Welfare or something. It might backfire; I don't know.

Berkeley's had some controversy lately about turning away people with really high SAT scores and taking people with lower ones, but it's probably because the 1600 people didn't do anything cool and the admissions people thought they wouldn't add anything to the school's environment. Cal wants a well-rounded class. What do you have to offer?
SAT: 1500 Female

“I worked hard for 3 years of high schoolApr 11 2004Electrical Engineering
I worked hard for 3 years of high school. Then kinda slacked last semester of senior year. Took the AP's, the SAT's. Did extracurriculars.
SAT: 1530 Male

“Good gradesMar 11 2004Computer Science
good grades. good sat. No other way around it.. although I heard appealing works 70% of the time.
Female

“Good grades, goodFeb 19 2004Political Science
Good grades, good SAT, be smart and not afraid to ask questions and find ways to get things done.
Male

“Work on the essayJan 19 2004Math
Work on the essay...it can be a big determinant in whether or not you are admitted. Become involved in extracurricular activities in high school, and be committed to them. The university would rather see that you did one activity for 4 years than 4 activities for a year each. Become a leader.
SAT: 1500 Female