How I got into Berkeley with a 3.42 GPA - 3 TIPS

[@Donutshop2365]

that depends on your major, if you choose a not so popular major, you can get in with a low GPA.

[@nopantssteve6784]

Z Picasso is it possible to pick a not so popular major, get in, and then switch majors to something more popular?

[@KevinAgyekum]

defers per school, wouldn't recommend that as it is pricey. Tends to also be a waste of time.

[@revl6151]

No Pants Steve nope. It'll be impossible

[@nicolascastaneda2702]

At berkeley specifically, if you apply to the college of letters and sciences (which is like 90% of applicants), you major in no way affects your admissions odds. This is the same for many universities.

[@OfficialJoseLee]

I just got into UCBerkeley with a 3.46 GPA (transfer student from CC) majoring in Theatre!!!! I'm suprised too!!

[@marllymbungu1721]

Jose Lee how did you do it? Do you have some tips? PS: Congratulations

[@tiffanyzamudio2080]

Was your SAT high??

[@ayoolaogunleye5960]

@@tiffanyzamudio2080 he said community college, SAT don’t matter once you attend at all

[@MMmm-bg9li]

Hey! Thanks so much for advice. I was going pretty solid with a unweighted 3.85 GPA during my first two years of HS but the first semester of Junior year I had to deal with some personal stuff so my overall GPA stooped to a 3.7. I was very disappointed but your video has given me hope!

[@Dude4786EyeHaveAutism]

So you mean to tell me if someone is not maintaining A's or B's throughout their high school years then they're doing bad ? I always thought maintaining A's and B's was something special not an expectation

[@groundtofu4238]

@@Dude4786EyeHaveAutism Straight A's and B's typically get you pretty far but when you're applying to a school where thousands of people are applying with way more than straight A's you want to get better than possible grades.

[@issapineda6824]

Thank you, you really motivated me and this was very informative. I want to go into the medical field and even thought this video has nothing to do with that you have motivated me to volunteer at a local hospital. Thank you

[@dusk_runner221]

I had a pretty low GPA from the start (Freshman Year: 3.0). But if everything goes well I should have a 3.8 Weighted, and 3.4 Unweighted by the time senior year arrives.. However, I have been working on projects related to my major (Computer Science). And I have been involved in some volunteering as well as robotics (FIRST). I have a pretty legitimate explanation for my low GPA so I'm not sure of my chances of getting in.

[@ruka4196]

Haroon Ahmed what comp science projects do you do

[@crypticii3431]

You have the blessings of the greatest last name, you'll be fine. I'd kill to have activities like yours!

[@alexkim3084]

Areeb Ahmed lol

[@sasha8826]

how did you up your gpa by 4 points? (unweighted)

[@ilostmyearpodsbtwiamhannah815]

@@sasha8826 better grades

[@ThePepsiman1000]

Ah, thank you for making this video! I'm going into senior year in a similar situation. After watching your video, I have more hope with my application and extracurriculars.

[@shw77]

Also guys, it shows how everything he did helped because, the acceptance rate of Electric Engineering in Berkeley is only 6.7% and he got into that with only a 3.42 unweighted and 3.71 weighted which is just amazing!!

[@SufficientlyGaming]

Hi where do u see the acceptance rates of individual majors if u know can I know the acceptance rate of data science?

[@osazuwaogbeide1540]

so cool I got into UCLA with a 3.18 transfer this april I put loads of extra curricular and had work experience throughout summer while working at the UC Davis dining commons. uc berkeley is all about the major you pick some majors dont require a 3.7 for all i believe urban studies is a 3.2-3.42 so if your gpa in that range and not allot of people applied then you get accepted

[@Isaac2.]

What major did you apply to?

[@lolandevanking3511]

Osazuwa Ogbeide may I know ur major please?

[@somecreativeperson6719]

Isaac. H wow, you just gave me hope all of a sudden.

[@anthonyw6895]

Osazuwa Ogbeide what was your major?

[@dang579]

@Everyone, he mentioned urban studies, most likely applied for that.

[@andrewpost4827]

I have a 34 ACT and 1450 SAT, but my high school GPA was a 3.4 UW and I got a 2.1 GPA this semester because holyyyyy shit school is boring

[@j.ontbea9227]

Thing is, you were probably a Cali resident, or at least a US citizen. I''m an international student. It's literally 29472094820x harder for me. This didn't really ease my anxiety, but thanks for the effort regardless.

[@christuring5525]

You're right. Being a CA resident definitely helps. The acceptance rate for Californians is about double the rate for internationals. Don't stress too much, college is just 4 years of your life, and Berkeley isn't the only one out there.

[@igame6781]

thats not true at all. Berkeley tends to accept a good chunk of international students

[@kayabooks2780]

I’m trying to apply as an international student too. However I am a US Citizen even though I’ve never lived there so I’m not sure if all colleges will consider me international. Anyways I’m not sure what I had my first year if hs but my second I had a 3.3 gpa and the first semester now I have a 3.47 gpa. Its an okay gpa but because I don’t go to school in the us I cant take ap classes and stuff and I live in Argentina and it’s really rare to do internships or have a job at my age so that sucks :/

[@fastball6591]

J. Ontbea all that matters for internationals is money. If you have a 1600 SAT 4.0 GPA and published research it doesn’t mean jack if you’re not full pay or don’t go to a fancy international school.

[@elliotuh6150]

It's Senior year and my GPA slumped from a 3.7-3.8 unweighted early on with a 4.2 weighted to a 3.5 unweighted with a 3.9 weighted due to junior year being rough. As someone who has dreamt of going to Duke (lifelong fan) and other higher ranking universities, this has atleast given me motivation to get myself on track and try regardless of the results. Even though I'm starting late, it's all worth a shot.

[@akshayshah7871]

And how much importance by percentage would you say is split between extracurriculars, gpa, and standardized test scores, can a very high test score say 1550 make up for a 3.5 gpa

[@christuring5525]

It depends on how prestigious/unique your extracurriculars are, as well as a variety of other factors such as teacher recommendations, your demographics, etc. They might think of you as a "smart slacker," - someone who is smart but lazy. If you had an illness/life event that made your GPA dip, I'd explain the situation on your application. The only other explanation I can think of is if you're an amazing athlete or participate in extracurriculars that obviously take up a lot of your time. To answer your question directly, I'd say 15/25/40/20 (test scores, GPA, ECs, and other stuff, respectively). Only a guess, just my take on it. If it's too late to significantly change your GPA/ECs, be sure to nail your essays and write something you'd be proud of.

[@Emily-dx3mh]

Hey how come you haven’t made more videos? I could really use the extra advice, thanks

[@kitalako7455]

THE SOUND AT THE END GOT ME DYING LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@kayvonmoshiri7619]

Which SAT score is better? Composite: 1370, Math-740, English-630, Essay-17 or Composite: 1350, Math-680, English-670, Essay-20 I'm applying as a political science major.

[@8000Alexander]

for political science i would say your second one because of higher ELA score. Keep in mind the uc's will look at scores individually and recalculate them. They usually don't look a whole lot at composite scores

[@christuring5525]

+Kayvon Moshiri You're overthinking it. Submit the higher total score, alwaysz

[@kelechionwuzurike4830]

The second one due to your ELA and Essay scores.

[@kelechionwuzurike4830]

However, you got the higher score on the 1st one so probably that one actually.

[@felixliang7558]

The essay score isn't that important. The first one would be better.

[@savannahlavigne5987]

does berkley accept academic improvement?

[@guy8264]

Thats legit his tip 3 did you not watch the video?

[@empressmacaron4737]

I just got accepted with a 3.3 gpa. Idek how. My Mom is double thinking about me going to Cali because it's too "far" for my first year away from home.

[@oooooo5374]

Wow, your essays and extracurriculars must be really strong to get you into Berkeley. Congrats!!!

[@felipemaldonado22]

For ''cali'' you mean berkeley right?

[@akshayshah7871]

Well in my school we have 4 semesters and then a final, and do you know if colleges look at senior year grades

[@aaronfacundo918]

Not sure if ur still replying to these comments, but you said that colleges like seeing an upward trend in GPA. You also said that you got a 3.9 GPA your senior year. Did Berkeley actually look at your senior year grades?

[@ilostmyearpodsbtwiamhannah815]

Hey! Yes Berkeley does look at ur senior year grades however they do not actually use your senior or frhsman year grades when calculating your GPA, but if that upward trend is still there they will be able to see it and understand that you have improved even if it doesn’t actually effect ur UC gpa

[@Trzntxn]

Wonder how your doing now man!

[@aamishraj1152]

is this UC GPA or your actual GPA??

[@amitchand2110]

I am also interested in robotics engineering. What extra curricular activities do you suggest?

[@libeige9022]

This is very helpful, thank you.

[@louiscavana4997]

Can you give me any tips for the SAT

[@christuring5525]

+Louis Cavana Don't sign up for any test prep classes, they're all a waste. Been there done that. But yourself the official college board 2018 SAT book. Take the practice test, correct yourself, and look at the breakdown of your score and see what sections you scored lowest on. Practice half an hour a day, an hour or two on weekends. Focus on getting better at your weaknesses. Honestly a lot of the SAT is memorization -- there's a reason why the IQ organization MENSA accepts old SAT scores from the 70s and before for admittance into their club, but not modern SAT scores. The SAT has turned into more of an extra curricular and it's perfectly study-able.

[@njuyygerf2453]

Hi, I have good academic grades (top1%in my school and country) but my sat score is 1270 And in sat subjects mathslevel2 (800); physics(750); chem(750) And decent no. Of activities to support my major Can I get into Berkeley??

[@avipatel1534]

By EE does he mean EECS. If so, this is one of the most competitive majors at berkley. Props to you. Do you think I still hold a chance in applying if I had a massive upward trend in my gpa.

[@rik4raj]

What was your weighted though

[@fastball6591]

I had a 3.3-3.4 UW GPA and a 3.6-3.7 W and a 34 ACT, multiple 5s on AP tests, and 700+ subject tests. Rejected from almost every single school I applied to 💀turns out grades matter far more than course rigor and extracurriculars

[@legalizemylobotomy]

Andrew Post what schools did you apply to

[@legalizemylobotomy]

Too

[@fastball6591]

Its YoBoyFam Binghamton, Alabama, South Carolina, FSU, Brandeis, Tulane, Grinnell, WashU, Claremont McKenna, Kenyon, Colgate, Lehigh and Wesleyan. I’m going to Alabama. In at first three, transfer option at FSU which I declined and was then rejected, waitlisted and rejected at the next three, and outright rejected at the last six. I fucked up first semester of senior year and pulled a 2.1 GPA, which Grinnell, FSU, Lehigh, Brandeis and Colgate all saw. Most likely would’ve gotten them (well, not Colgate) if I had done better. I was legacy at Wesleyan and double legacy at Brandeis. Applied for financial aid everywhere, which maybe hurt me.

[@legalizemylobotomy]

Andrew Post dang wtf

[@legalizemylobotomy]

Andrew Post I’m fucked then

[@user-bk1qm2jt3m]

So where is the next video?

[@aamishraj1152]

Is this UW GPA or UC GPA?

[@SufficientlyGaming]

Damn electrical engineering is pretty competitive too good job

[@cottagegardener3725]

Awesome advice!

[@MomtoZnE]

Do you mind if I ask how your test scores were?

[@christuring5525]

+MomtoZnE 2250

[@WarrenGoodin]

I had a 3.1 freshman year, 3.9 UW sophomore year, 3.85 UW junior year, senior year etc. My UC weighted is 4.13. What are my chances for UCI with a 1350 on SAT

[@jathkankanam]

I think you have a good shot at UCI and even some of the other higher UC's

[@hihiz432]

Oh my god this has given me hope. I got a 3.0 my freshman year due to family issues and I wasn’t sure if it was possible to get it up to a 3.9 after doing so poorly if I got straight a’s for the rest of high school. I don’t really understand the whole gpa system 😂

[@timothyhuang591]

What major did you apply btw, just curious?

[@jonoblake99]

What was your sat score

[@akshayshah7871]

May I ask what your gpa was freshman and sophomore year. I had a 3.2 unweighted last year and have a 3.6 this year so far I am in two clubs and track and marching band. Do you have any tips to improve my chances of getting into a high tier school.

[@christuring5525]

I had under a 3.5 freshman and sophomore year. Make sure to nail the rest of your semesters with an extreme upward trend (>3.9). College admissions are very competitive these days. Do you have any type of awards or achievements in those clubs? Officer positions? Are you so great at track that you could be recruited? Have you considered starting your own club for something that you enjoy that doesn't exist at your school? Do you have a job/internship anywhere?

[@felipemaldonado22]

@@christuring5525 what about being a latino-american astronomy olympiad champion? I've just a 3.23 gpa but the last month i win the latino-american astronomy and astrophysics gold medal olympiad

[@Avi00124]

Can I ask you some questions through email?

[@nema1218]

You rock bro!!

[@christuring5525]

You too bro!

[@kevinthomas1618]

How much is 3.4 when converted to percentage

[@braydengroshong4992]

3.4/4

[@adele5829]

Brayden Doug do you know what percentage is dude

[@braydengroshong4992]

Adel Tursunkulova do u know how to calculate percentage?

[@nishp995]

I also have a 3.71 weighted GPA🤣

[@yohanaquiroz4541]

Hey can I email you 💀

[@branybarragan5302]

Lol I got into Berkeley with 3.44 as a transfer student though

[@SamWanAnimeOtaku]

Can you please talk about your CC experience?

[@branybarragan5302]

Sam Wan sure, anything in specific or just overall?

[@lizbonnet4871]

What was your major?Im also at CC and hoping to transfer fall of 2022 (I had a slow first year so Im a bit late)

[@branybarragan5302]

Liz Bonnet currently a poli Sci major, I did 3 years in community college hbu?

[@ashley1872]

Did you complete your IGETC? What do you think really helped you in your application? I would appreciate an answer because I'm also looking to transfer and my college GPA from dual enrollment isn't too great

[@SaloniS]

do you live in CA? thanks for making this!!

[@christuring5525]

I do.

[@MaxMiesen]

I have 4.5 unweighted, I will take a total of 13 APs, I am president of a volunteering club, I was accepted to cinema conservatory, and I want to do something in bio/med in college Basically I'm sorta smart and I have other aspects other than just academics but I don't have a theme really. Can I still get into Berkeley level colleges?

[@cryptollama9735]

you can't have a 4.5 unweighted GPA...

[@igame6781]

no shit

[@ericsilva-gomez2481]

Max Miesen why brag lol?

[@7MINJAE]

no one cares stop trying to show off

[@suckmyhugewiener633]

you sound smart and all but there are probably THOUSANDS of others like you. you need to do more than being the president of a volunteering club, lol.

[@uglyfennydesperatlyneedssu7797]

My STATS right now: Finished first semester of high school, 9th Grade Have a 3.5 out of 4.0 I made Regionals in ART and got a perfect score Currently in Swimming I took a PSAT test this Year and got 1210 ( i know its trash, I am taking the actual one next year, then in 11th the SAT) All my Classes are PAP and have only 1 AP course Can you guys please suggest ways to increase my chances of getting in, thanks! (Also, any advice on any volunteering at recognizable places or any extracurricular activities)

[@ultragoldcoin8780]

Ugly Fenny desperatly needs subs keep it up, you'll get there buddy.

[@KatyPerry9599]

1. try to maintain your gpa and dont push yourself too much with ap courses 2. as an artist myself i can say that to college admissions, regionals/perfect scores are not extremely impressive as each region chooses 1000 pieces and scores are based off how well you can explain, not the quality of your work. and as a freshman you must have competed in one of the easier divisions (1 or 2). so the most important thing is that if you are to continue art, make it a consistant thing. aim for state/gold seal next year. 3. try to make varsity swim, colleges love that 4. take a lot of practice sat tests, i think thats more important than going to sat classes. 5. try to get as involved in not just clubs, but honor societies. aim for an officer position as thatll get you a spot in the national honor society. every single president of any honor society that ive known has gotten into a big school.

[@uglyfennydesperatlyneedssu7797]

KradVortex thank you!!

[@kman7681]

If you want to go to a UC school they only look at sophomore and junior gpa

[@thunderrapid]

UC does not look at your freshman GPA. A good metric to look at when trying to see if you have a good chance is to look to what your top performing peers are doing. You performance is parsed by district application readers so you will be judged based on your performance amonst your pears in your area. If you're aiming for engineering, curb your activities towards that direction immediately, otherwise, try to appear well rounded and active within your community. Be absolutely sure you have something you are passionate about that you can work into your app essay. If you are passionate about swimming thats great, but have a few since 4 essays are needed. The number of ap classes do not matter as long as the number is equal to those top performers within the school. DO NOT do things just to fill a line on an application. Only join something if you ahve a legitimate interest because then it becomes wasted productivity.