A few days ago
shootpool_notpeople

UC Berkeley Transfer- Do I even have a chance?

I spent my junior/senior yrs. of H.S. at a California Community College- all the classes I took for those two years to get H.S. credit were college courses, but I had a mediocre GPA (2.87). My major is sociology and if my GPA only included the soc., eng., and humanities courses I have taken I would have a 4.0. 🙁

After graduating H.S. I spent a year on the East Coast serving over 1900 hours of community service with an Americorps program. I gained an amazing amount of life experience and was even asked to return to take on a leadership role for another 10 months. It gave me the motivation and passion I needed to really take my college education seriously and know what I want to use it for.

I have since returned to the same school and have maintained a 4.0. However, at the time I apply it will have only been two quarters since returning, so my GPA will only be in the 3.0-3.2 range. I also won’t finish the IGETC until the end of spring. Do I have any hope of getting into Berkeley?

Top 3 Answers
A few days ago
Anonymous

Favorite Answer

Your amazing experience with AmeriCorps will more than make up for your lack of discipline/bad grades earlier in your life. Discuss your new found commitment to your education and what you have learned thru the volunteer experience and you will be fine.
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A few days ago
RoaringMice
Not based on your overall GPA, no. But based on your most recent GPA, plus your Americorps experience? Actually, I think you do stand a shot. Make sure you write a *mean* essay. Use your Americorps experience to your advantage in the essays. Also, use an essay to point out the fact that, although your overall GPA isn’t great, your most recent grades, and those in your major, are good. Note that your GPA went up after your break for Americorps, and that is also in your favor (you matured, perhaps. Gained focus.)

Just in case Berkeley doesn’t work out, also apply to some other strong schools that you like, but which can act as back ups.

But do apply to Berkeley. You have an interesting background that they may like.

Also try a couple of high level private schools, like Claremont McKenna. Those may be able to show a bit more flexibility toward GPA than Berkeley, and place more weight on your Americorps experience.

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A few days ago
Anonymous
Definitely!

You should try !

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