Hey UCSD-ers,
I'm a prospective student from the east coast (home of the bosox and patriots

) and i know UCs are pretty notorious for accepting most of their freshman class from Cali, but is it nearly impossible to be accepted as an out of stater? i don't have spectacular, ivy league worthy stats: 3.8 GPA (weighted), 1950 SAT I score (going to retake in December) , officer position in Red Cross, senior orchestra, piano, drums (assistant in marching band), working experience (wide range of jobs: worked at YMCA, bank/insurance company, interned at Harvard). Oh, and my SAT IIs aren't that hot; are they significant deciding factors for acceptance? Do you think i'd have a smidgeon of a chance if I blow the admissions away with my essay? Please tell me your honest opinions. i can take it! i don't want to get my hopes up and since not many students from my school applied to UCSD, i don't know how i match up.
Also i got to the part of ranking colleges. I plan to be an undeclared/sociology major with a pre-med emphasis. i love meeting new, different kinds of people. I like being in a social environment, but academics/ grades are also a major priority. i'm not into the hardcore party scene, but i like to let loose and enjoy myself once in a while. I'm not a neat freak..actually i'm kind of messy heh. So far, i'm looking at muir and revelle as my top choices, but i'm not sure yet. :/ Opinions, anyone?
can you all tell me about san diego too? i've never been there before,but i plan to visit if i get accepted. i'm a city girl, but i don't mind suburban areas. rural is kind of pushing it...i love cows and horses, but not when they're the only thing i see for 4 years. i heard san diego have great beaches and a relaxing atmosphere. tell me more! sorry, i have a lot of questions, but thanks in advance for your responses!

I'm an out of stater and your stats look pretty good to me. I had a 3.98 gpa, 29 on the ACT, and just like you my SAT IIs aren't that good. I didn't really work that hard on my essay. I've had two jobs. VP of the National Honor Society, member of Asian Club and Health Club. I volunteered at two different hospitals. Out of state tuition hella sucks though :/ But hopefully I'll get in state tuition next year. :] Good luck!