UC Decisions are rolling out

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m confused. If the UC schools don’t look at test scores or 9th grade grades, and limit the number of AP/equivalent “lifts” that each kid can get to 8, then how do they actually select students? Because it seems to me that there would be a large number of applicants with unweighted 4.0s (or near enough) who also have taken the maximum allowed APs. So how do they pick a class?

This would be the question everyone has. Who knows...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m confused. If the UC schools don’t look at test scores or 9th grade grades, and limit the number of AP/equivalent “lifts” that each kid can get to 8, then how do they actually select students? Because it seems to me that there would be a large number of applicants with unweighted 4.0s (or near enough) who also have taken the maximum allowed APs. So how do they pick a class?

This would be the question everyone has. Who knows...

+1

It’s a mystery.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m confused. If the UC schools don’t look at test scores or 9th grade grades, and limit the number of AP/equivalent “lifts” that each kid can get to 8, then how do they actually select students? Because it seems to me that there would be a large number of applicants with unweighted 4.0s (or near enough) who also have taken the maximum allowed APs. So how do they pick a class?

This would be the question everyone has. Who knows...

This is why my student didn’t apply, complete crap shot. The process is already arbitrary enough at the test optional schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m confused. If the UC schools don’t look at test scores or 9th grade grades, and limit the number of AP/equivalent “lifts” that each kid can get to 8, then how do they actually select students? Because it seems to me that there would be a large number of applicants with unweighted 4.0s (or near enough) who also have taken the maximum allowed APs. So how do they pick a class?

This would be the question everyone has. Who knows...

+1

It’s a mystery.

after a certain threshold, it's like a lottery.

[Anonymous]

Only selective high achiever students and possible scholarship recipients heard about their decision. Most decisions will be put in March. Last year it was March 15.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m confused. If the UC schools don’t look at test scores or 9th grade grades, and limit the number of AP/equivalent “lifts” that each kid can get to 8, then how do they actually select students? Because it seems to me that there would be a large number of applicants with unweighted 4.0s (or near enough) who also have taken the maximum allowed APs. So how do they pick a class?

How the sausage is made...no one knows but those in the factory....
CA parent here and yes, you are right to be confused--we are all confused out here, especially since UC went test blind. I do know only one thing, for in-state kids, the UCs are mandated to take the top 10% of *public* CA high school kids. Doesn't mean you'll get the campus you want, but does mean that you have a guaranteed college acceptance.

Since they have that mandate, it's tough for California private school kids to get in. We used to think it was better to be OOS than at a CA private HS, but that is changing (or has changed as well)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m confused. If the UC schools don’t look at test scores or 9th grade grades, and limit the number of AP/equivalent “lifts” that each kid can get to 8, then how do they actually select students? Because it seems to me that there would be a large number of applicants with unweighted 4.0s (or near enough) who also have taken the maximum allowed APs. So how do they pick a class?

How the sausage is made...no one knows but those in the factory....
CA parent here and yes, you are right to be confused--we are all confused out here, especially since UC went test blind. I do know only one thing, for in-state kids, the UCs are mandated to take the top 10% of *public* CA high school kids. Doesn't mean you'll get the campus you want, but does mean that you have a guaranteed college acceptance.

Since they have that mandate, it's tough for California private school kids to get in. We used to think it was better to be OOS than at a CA private HS, but that is changing (or has changed as well)

I think it’s 9% now, and often those kids are offered at spot at Merced or Riverside.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m confused. If the UC schools don’t look at test scores or 9th grade grades, and limit the number of AP/equivalent “lifts” that each kid can get to 8, then how do they actually select students? Because it seems to me that there would be a large number of applicants with unweighted 4.0s (or near enough) who also have taken the maximum allowed APs. So how do they pick a class?

The applications list 9th grade grades, as well as any APs taken beyond the eight. They include activities lists (for which the quality of the interpretation by students varies). They include lists of honors (and the level of the honors varies). They include several different essays that reveal all kinds of information about the student and how they think and how they write. Students list their desired majors. Sometimes their classes and activities and honors match up well with those majors, and sometimes they don't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m confused. If the UC schools don’t look at test scores or 9th grade grades, and limit the number of AP/equivalent “lifts” that each kid can get to 8, then how do they actually select students? Because it seems to me that there would be a large number of applicants with unweighted 4.0s (or near enough) who also have taken the maximum allowed APs. So how do they pick a class?

'Holistically'. GPA, APs etc. are only few of many 'factors' to be considered for admission.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m confused. If the UC schools don’t look at test scores or 9th grade grades, and limit the number of AP/equivalent “lifts” that each kid can get to 8, then how do they actually select students? Because it seems to me that there would be a large number of applicants with unweighted 4.0s (or near enough) who also have taken the maximum allowed APs. So how do they pick a class?

'Holistically'. GPA, APs etc. are only few of many 'factors' to be considered for admission.

Reader here. And I think it's important to remember that "holistically" doesn't mean randomly. There are rubrics for different factors, academic and not. Let's say a certain UC was particularly interested in "bravery" as a quality. (So far as I know, none are.) So they have one part of the rubric where readers score the student 1-10 on bravery, with 10 being the most brave. One student writes about overcoming his fear of dogs to pet a neighbor's dog. Another writes about falling into a ravine on a camping trip and being stuck, so having to spend the night there. A third student, who once rescued a child from kidnappers at the risk of her own life, chooses not to write about this incident in much detail, just saying,"Last summer I helped my neighbor who was in a difficult situation."

The readers would score the students' bravery based on what they said in their essays. The first student bravely overcome his fears, and the act was of his own volition. He also wrote both earnestly and, at times, with gentle humor. The second student encountered a greater obstacle but wasn't necessarily able to do much to help themselves. Is that second student much braver than the first student, or just a victim of bad luck? The application readers are told on the rubric (and in training) how the school wants them to score these types of accounts.

The third student bravely risked her life to help someone else. Seems like the most brave to me! However, this student didn't really write about the incident in her essay, maybe not realizing that the school is particularly interested in "bravery" as a quality this year. Therefore, she scores poorly in this category. Remember, the readers score based on what's on the page.

From my experience, I wouldn't think of the results so much as random as unpredictable. Students can still do the best job they can of presenting themselves, not downplaying or overstating their accomplishments. Then the school gets to decide who's the best fit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Only selective high achiever students and possible scholarship recipients heard about their decision. Most decisions will be put in March. Last year it was March 15.

My niece (a student in a public high school in California) was admitted to Cal a few weeks ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m confused. If the UC schools don’t look at test scores or 9th grade grades, and limit the number of AP/equivalent “lifts” that each kid can get to 8, then how do they actually select students? Because it seems to me that there would be a large number of applicants with unweighted 4.0s (or near enough) who also have taken the maximum allowed APs. So how do they pick a class?

'Holistically'. GPA, APs etc. are only few of many 'factors' to be considered for admission.

Reader here. And I think it's important to remember that "holistically" doesn't mean randomly. There are rubrics for different factors, academic and not. Let's say a certain UC was particularly interested in "bravery" as a quality. (So far as I know, none are.) So they have one part of the rubric where readers score the student 1-10 on bravery, with 10 being the most brave. One student writes about overcoming his fear of dogs to pet a neighbor's dog. Another writes about falling into a ravine on a camping trip and being stuck, so having to spend the night there. A third student, who once rescued a child from kidnappers at the risk of her own life, chooses not to write about this incident in much detail, just saying,"Last summer I helped my neighbor who was in a difficult situation."

The readers would score the students' bravery based on what they said in their essays. The first student bravely overcome his fears, and the act was of his own volition. He also wrote both earnestly and, at times, with gentle humor. The second student encountered a greater obstacle but wasn't necessarily able to do much to help themselves. Is that second student much braver than the first student, or just a victim of bad luck? The application readers are told on the rubric (and in training) how the school wants them to score these types of accounts.

The third student bravely risked her life to help someone else. Seems like the most brave to me! However, this student didn't really write about the incident in her essay, maybe not realizing that the school is particularly interested in "bravery" as a quality this year. Therefore, she scores poorly in this category. Remember, the readers score based on what's on the page.

From my experience, I wouldn't think of the results so much as random as unpredictable. Students can still do the best job they can of presenting themselves, not downplaying or overstating their accomplishments. Then the school gets to decide who's the best fit.

So instead of bravery it might be, challenging oneself or academic risk-taking?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m confused. If the UC schools don’t look at test scores or 9th grade grades, and limit the number of AP/equivalent “lifts” that each kid can get to 8, then how do they actually select students? Because it seems to me that there would be a large number of applicants with unweighted 4.0s (or near enough) who also have taken the maximum allowed APs. So how do they pick a class?

'Holistically'. GPA, APs etc. are only few of many 'factors' to be considered for admission.

Reader here. And I think it's important to remember that "holistically" doesn't mean randomly. There are rubrics for different factors, academic and not. Let's say a certain UC was particularly interested in "bravery" as a quality. (So far as I know, none are.) So they have one part of the rubric where readers score the student 1-10 on bravery, with 10 being the most brave. One student writes about overcoming his fear of dogs to pet a neighbor's dog. Another writes about falling into a ravine on a camping trip and being stuck, so having to spend the night there. A third student, who once rescued a child from kidnappers at the risk of her own life, chooses not to write about this incident in much detail, just saying,"Last summer I helped my neighbor who was in a difficult situation."

The readers would score the students' bravery based on what they said in their essays. The first student bravely overcome his fears, and the act was of his own volition. He also wrote both earnestly and, at times, with gentle humor. The second student encountered a greater obstacle but wasn't necessarily able to do much to help themselves. Is that second student much braver than the first student, or just a victim of bad luck? The application readers are told on the rubric (and in training) how the school wants them to score these types of accounts.

The third student bravely risked her life to help someone else. Seems like the most brave to me! However, this student didn't really write about the incident in her essay, maybe not realizing that the school is particularly interested in "bravery" as a quality this year. Therefore, she scores poorly in this category. Remember, the readers score based on what's on the page.

From my experience, I wouldn't think of the results so much as random as unpredictable. Students can still do the best job they can of presenting themselves, not downplaying or overstating their accomplishments. Then the school gets to decide who's the best fit.

Thank you. That is really helpful perspective.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m confused. If the UC schools don’t look at test scores or 9th grade grades, and limit the number of AP/equivalent “lifts” that each kid can get to 8, then how do they actually select students? Because it seems to me that there would be a large number of applicants with unweighted 4.0s (or near enough) who also have taken the maximum allowed APs. So how do they pick a class?

'Holistically'. GPA, APs etc. are only few of many 'factors' to be considered for admission.

Reader here. And I think it's important to remember that "holistically" doesn't mean randomly. There are rubrics for different factors, academic and not. Let's say a certain UC was particularly interested in "bravery" as a quality. (So far as I know, none are.) So they have one part of the rubric where readers score the student 1-10 on bravery, with 10 being the most brave. One student writes about overcoming his fear of dogs to pet a neighbor's dog. Another writes about falling into a ravine on a camping trip and being stuck, so having to spend the night there. A third student, who once rescued a child from kidnappers at the risk of her own life, chooses not to write about this incident in much detail, just saying,"Last summer I helped my neighbor who was in a difficult situation."

The readers would score the students' bravery based on what they said in their essays. The first student bravely overcome his fears, and the act was of his own volition. He also wrote both earnestly and, at times, with gentle humor. The second student encountered a greater obstacle but wasn't necessarily able to do much to help themselves. Is that second student much braver than the first student, or just a victim of bad luck? The application readers are told on the rubric (and in training) how the school wants them to score these types of accounts.

The third student bravely risked her life to help someone else. Seems like the most brave to me! However, this student didn't really write about the incident in her essay, maybe not realizing that the school is particularly interested in "bravery" as a quality this year. Therefore, she scores poorly in this category. Remember, the readers score based on what's on the page.

From my experience, I wouldn't think of the results so much as random as unpredictable. Students can still do the best job they can of presenting themselves, not downplaying or overstating their accomplishments. Then the school gets to decide who's the best fit.

Thank you. That is really helpful perspective.

That's pretty much everywhere, really. Grades are just a baseline. So many schools, so many different ways of learning and teaching, and everyone seems to have a 4.0 these days. So school dig into their individual needs, gaps and the intangibles in the storytelling about each student. Not just the essay, but what the whole mix of things say about the student. On top of that there's the "We need more people in X department to justify the staffing pattern and salaries" factor that you will never ever hear about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m confused. If the UC schools don’t look at test scores or 9th grade grades, and limit the number of AP/equivalent “lifts” that each kid can get to 8, then how do they actually select students? Because it seems to me that there would be a large number of applicants with unweighted 4.0s (or near enough) who also have taken the maximum allowed APs. So how do they pick a class?

'Holistically'. GPA, APs etc. are only few of many 'factors' to be considered for admission.

Reader here. And I think it's important to remember that "holistically" doesn't mean randomly. There are rubrics for different factors, academic and not. Let's say a certain UC was particularly interested in "bravery" as a quality. (So far as I know, none are.) So they have one part of the rubric where readers score the student 1-10 on bravery, with 10 being the most brave. One student writes about overcoming his fear of dogs to pet a neighbor's dog. Another writes about falling into a ravine on a camping trip and being stuck, so having to spend the night there. A third student, who once rescued a child from kidnappers at the risk of her own life, chooses not to write about this incident in much detail, just saying,"Last summer I helped my neighbor who was in a difficult situation."

The readers would score the students' bravery based on what they said in their essays. The first student bravely overcome his fears, and the act was of his own volition. He also wrote both earnestly and, at times, with gentle humor. The second student encountered a greater obstacle but wasn't necessarily able to do much to help themselves. Is that second student much braver than the first student, or just a victim of bad luck? The application readers are told on the rubric (and in training) how the school wants them to score these types of accounts.

The third student bravely risked her life to help someone else. Seems like the most brave to me! However, this student didn't really write about the incident in her essay, maybe not realizing that the school is particularly interested in "bravery" as a quality this year. Therefore, she scores poorly in this category. Remember, the readers score based on what's on the page.

From my experience, I wouldn't think of the results so much as random as unpredictable. Students can still do the best job they can of presenting themselves, not downplaying or overstating their accomplishments. Then the school gets to decide who's the best fit.

Christ. This is what college in the US has become?

Give me the exams and merit-based admissions like in Europe. I mean, they are applying to ACADEMIC institutions. Do I really care if my future heart surgeon overcame his fear of dogs?