UC Freshmen Comprehensive Review

Process

2009-2010

Grade Point Average

GPA x 1000 =Your score Use grades from 10th & 11th grade For example, if your weighted GPA is 3.5,

your score would be 3500. Total points possible: 4500 Don’t forget to include extra semester grade

points for approved honors, AP and UC transferable college courses.

SAT I or ACT + Writing & SAT II

Take all required exams, SAT I or ACT+writing and

SAT II x .08 SAT I: Critical

Reading, Math and Writing

OR ACT + ACT Writing

SAT II: Take 2 Subject tests (If you select Math, you must take Math 2)

Total Points Possible: 3200

Register for SATs by October 1st or register for ACT+ Writing by October 2nd (Late fee)

Compare/Contrast SAT with ACT

SAT includes reading, math and writing

The writing is at the beginning of the exam and you have 25 minutes.

¼ point penalty for wrong answers

Reason-based Basic fee= $45

ACT includes reading, math, English and science

The writing test is 30 minutes at the end of the exam.

No penalty for wrong answers

Curriculum-based Basic fee= $32 (plus $15 for

writing)

How Colleges Use Scores

If you take both and do better on one, colleges will use the higher score.

You can take either test more than once. Colleges will take the highest total combined score

Class of 2012 won’t be required to take SAT II Subject tests.

A-G Courses

The number of A-G semester courses beyond the minimum specified for UC eligibility

250 pts for applicants with 33-39 courses, 500 pts for 40 or more courses

Total points possible 500

Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC)

increases the University of California's presence in each California high school

extends UC eligibility to students with high academic accomplishments at schools that historically have sent few graduates to the University.

the top four percent of students in each participating California high school's graduating senior class are granted UC eligibility, based on their successful completion of specific college preparatory coursework.

Total Points Possible: 300

Educational Environment

Identified schools which fall into the 4th or 5th quintiles

Total points possible: 300 MHS not eligible

Low Family Income

If parental income is less than $28,275 for a family of four = 300 pts

If parental income is less than $47,355 for a family of eight = 300 pts

If parental income is less than $60,000 for a family of four = 150 pts

Total points possible = 300

First-generation College Attendance

Using most educated parent: 150 pts for some college or 2-yr graduate

High school education or less worth 300 pts

Total points possible: 300

Demonstrated Leadership

150 pts for 2 minor roles, i.e. Pres. Or VP of club, captain or co-captain of team, secretary, treasure of class or school

300 pts for one major leadership role, i.e. President or VP of class or school, Editor-in-chief, Eagle Scout or Girl Scout Gold Award

Total Points Possible = 300

Special Talents, Achievements & Awards

Single = 150 pts, Multiple = 300 Examples: Black belt, creative entrepreneurship Achievements/Talents must be first, second or

third in a league, regional, citywide or wider competition

Examples: Boys &Girls State, RYLA, Science Fair, sports teams, Academic Decathlon, Academic League

Volunteer/Community Service

Demonstrated charitable work or community service not compensated with pay or class credit.

Tip: List specific duties and tasks Highest total combined hours over 2 years-

100-199 total hours = 150 pts 200 or more hours = 300 pts

Participation in Pre-Collegiate/ Motivational & Enrichment Programs

Total Points Possible = 300 75 pts for one year, 150 for two years, 300

for three or more years Examples: AVID, EAOP, GEAR UP, Upward

Bound, COSMOS

Special Circumstances and/or Personal Challenges

Total Points possible: 11,100 Single parent household = 250 pts Student works to contribute to family income and

minimum 20 hours per week during school = 250 pts Life altering event = 500 pts i.e. in foster care, death

of immediate family member, personal involvement in a life trauma

Less severe event/situation = 250

Personal Statement

Tips: Follow all directions carefully and mention any of the special circumstances or personal challenges

Write multiple drafts of your personal statement Type your personal statement prior to applying

online so you can simply cut and paste it. Use all of the English skills you’ve mastered

throughout high school i.e. figurative language, precise diction, complex sentences, organization etc.

Be as personal as possible

Topics for Personal Statement

Prompt #1 (freshman applicants) Describe the world you come from — for

example, your family, community or school — and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.

Topic # 2

Prompt #2 (all applicants) Tell us about a personal quality, talent,

accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud and how does it relate to the person you are?

Instructions for Personal Statement

Respond to both prompts, using a maximum of 1,000 words total.

You may allocate the word count as you wish. If you choose to respond to one prompt at greater length, we suggest your shorter answer be no less than 250 words.

Stay within the word limit as closely as you can. A little over — 1,012 words, for example — is fine.

Application information

Applications open October 1st and they are due at midnight on November 30th.

Use your transcript to fill out your application Apply online:

https://admissions.ucop.edu/pathways

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”—Malcolm X

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No matter what college you choose you will have a bright future!!