If colleges are accepting kids using AI to help with essay writing, I don't see how essays can be important anymore.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:UCs are difficult to get into OOS. Not sure he has a shot there.

My kid got into a couple of UCs (LA, SD,Sb) with pretty bad essays, but a 4.8 gpa.

UCs limit the number of grade bumps. They only accept APs from OOS. No one applies with a 4.8 (and frankly a 4.8 is a BS gpa from a district like MoCo that gives bumps for honors classes the same as APs.)

Something about your kid’s essays, ECs, or rigor stood out to the UC schools. There is no other distinguishing factor. Tons of kids applying with perfect GPAs under the UC rubric. For SD and SB I agree the grades alone can do it, but UCLA takes something to stand out.