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What should my transcript look like as a junior in high school to be competitive for schools like UCSD, UCD, UCSC, Cal Poly slo?
Right now, I have over 150 volunteer hours, 3 years in varsity volleyball with 2 years as captain. Ice Hockey States contender for 16u, Fundraising chair for a club at my high school, apart of multiple clubs, Assistant coach at my local YMCA for volleyball, certified swim instructor for the YMCA, 3.89 weight GPA with AP and Honors classes.
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Dr’s Answer
Hey Eddy!
First off, huge respect man to you for everything you’ve accomplished so far! Firstly, Michelle is absolutely right in saying that you’ve made the most of your high school years! Your dedication to sports, leadership, volunteering, and academics is truly impressive, and trust me mate you’re definitely on the right track for schools like UCSD, UCD, UCSC, and Cal Poly SLO.
To answer your question directly—your transcript should reflect:
Strong GPA: Your 3.89 weighted GPA is solid, but for UC competitiveness, especially for UCSD and UCD, aim to keep it high or push it above 4.0 weighted if possible. The more A’s in AP/Honors classes, the better. UCs focus on your UC GPA (only 10th & 11th grade A-G courses count). You can use the UC GPA calculator online to see where you stand.
Challenging Courses: You’ve already taken AP and Honors classes—great! Now, Try to continue taking APs that align with your intended major, as rigor is just as important as GPA.
A-G Requirements: UCs and CSUs require specific coursework (A-G subject requirements), so make sure you’re on track with those.
The Role of Extracurriculars is Where You Shine! Michelle mentioned that your transcript only shows classes, grades, and test scores—but your extracurriculars still play a HUGE role in UC admissions, especially in your essays (PIQs).
Leadership & Impact: Being a varsity captain, fundraising chair, and assistant coach showcases leadership. Colleges love commitment over time—you’re not just involved, you’re leading and making an impact.
Competitive Sports: Ice hockey and volleyball at a high level show discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, qualities that top schools value.
Community Involvement: Your work with the YMCA as a certified swim instructor and assistant coach adds another layer of leadership and mentorship.
Club Involvement: Being in multiple clubs diversifies your application, but focus on highlighting the ones where you’ve had the most impact.
Now you might wanna know What Else Can You Do to Strengthen Your Application?
Alright, Besides keeping up your GPA and extracurriculars, here are some extra things that could make your application stand out even more: 🤔
Internships, Research, or Shadowing (If Possible): If you’re interested in a specific major (STEM, business, psychology, etc.), look for internships, summer programs, or research projects related to that field. Even a self-initiated project can stand out!
Then, Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) – Tell YOUR Story!
UCs don’t require recommendation letters, so your essays are your chance to showcase who you are beyond your transcript.
Pick PIQ topics that highlight your resilience, leadership, passion, or a unique experience that shaped you.
Don’t just list accomplishments—reflect on how they’ve shaped your growth.
Next, Letters of Recommendation (For Cal Poly SLO & Other Schools):
While UCs don’t require them, some schools like Cal Poly SLO or private colleges might ask for them. Get them from teachers, coaches, or mentors who truly know you.
And then I had also say to Take the SAT (If Applying Outside of UCs/CSUs):
Michelle brought up a great point about the SAT. While UCs are test-blind, some scholarships, out-of-state, or private schools may still consider scores. If you have the time and think you can score well, it doesn’t hurt to take it as a backup option.
Also, Demonstrated Interest (For Cal Poly SLO & Other Schools):
UCs don’t track interest, but Cal Poly SLO and some private schools do.
Attend virtual or in-person info sessions.
Connect with admissions reps.
If Cal Poly is a top choice, research how their admissions differ (they emphasize coursework & major alignment heavily!).
Eddy, you’re already doing an amazing job—seriously, you have a strong mix of academics, leadership, and extracurriculars. If you keep this up, you’ll be a competitive applicant for UCSD, UCD, UCSC, Cal Poly SLO, and beyond.
I’d say the most important next steps for you are:
✔ Keep up (or improve) your GPA.
✔ Choose senior-year courses wisely (APs related to your major).
✔ Start brainstorming your UC essays early.
✔ Look for any last-minute opportunities (internships, leadership roles, competitions).
✔ Double-check application deadlines and requirements for each school.
You got this! If you ever need help with anything else, feel free to ask. I’m rooting for you! All the best Eddy! 🤗
First off, huge respect man to you for everything you’ve accomplished so far! Firstly, Michelle is absolutely right in saying that you’ve made the most of your high school years! Your dedication to sports, leadership, volunteering, and academics is truly impressive, and trust me mate you’re definitely on the right track for schools like UCSD, UCD, UCSC, and Cal Poly SLO.
To answer your question directly—your transcript should reflect:
Strong GPA: Your 3.89 weighted GPA is solid, but for UC competitiveness, especially for UCSD and UCD, aim to keep it high or push it above 4.0 weighted if possible. The more A’s in AP/Honors classes, the better. UCs focus on your UC GPA (only 10th & 11th grade A-G courses count). You can use the UC GPA calculator online to see where you stand.
Challenging Courses: You’ve already taken AP and Honors classes—great! Now, Try to continue taking APs that align with your intended major, as rigor is just as important as GPA.
A-G Requirements: UCs and CSUs require specific coursework (A-G subject requirements), so make sure you’re on track with those.
The Role of Extracurriculars is Where You Shine! Michelle mentioned that your transcript only shows classes, grades, and test scores—but your extracurriculars still play a HUGE role in UC admissions, especially in your essays (PIQs).
Leadership & Impact: Being a varsity captain, fundraising chair, and assistant coach showcases leadership. Colleges love commitment over time—you’re not just involved, you’re leading and making an impact.
Competitive Sports: Ice hockey and volleyball at a high level show discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, qualities that top schools value.
Community Involvement: Your work with the YMCA as a certified swim instructor and assistant coach adds another layer of leadership and mentorship.
Club Involvement: Being in multiple clubs diversifies your application, but focus on highlighting the ones where you’ve had the most impact.
Now you might wanna know What Else Can You Do to Strengthen Your Application?
Alright, Besides keeping up your GPA and extracurriculars, here are some extra things that could make your application stand out even more: 🤔
Internships, Research, or Shadowing (If Possible): If you’re interested in a specific major (STEM, business, psychology, etc.), look for internships, summer programs, or research projects related to that field. Even a self-initiated project can stand out!
Then, Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) – Tell YOUR Story!
UCs don’t require recommendation letters, so your essays are your chance to showcase who you are beyond your transcript.
Pick PIQ topics that highlight your resilience, leadership, passion, or a unique experience that shaped you.
Don’t just list accomplishments—reflect on how they’ve shaped your growth.
Next, Letters of Recommendation (For Cal Poly SLO & Other Schools):
While UCs don’t require them, some schools like Cal Poly SLO or private colleges might ask for them. Get them from teachers, coaches, or mentors who truly know you.
And then I had also say to Take the SAT (If Applying Outside of UCs/CSUs):
Michelle brought up a great point about the SAT. While UCs are test-blind, some scholarships, out-of-state, or private schools may still consider scores. If you have the time and think you can score well, it doesn’t hurt to take it as a backup option.
Also, Demonstrated Interest (For Cal Poly SLO & Other Schools):
UCs don’t track interest, but Cal Poly SLO and some private schools do.
Attend virtual or in-person info sessions.
Connect with admissions reps.
If Cal Poly is a top choice, research how their admissions differ (they emphasize coursework & major alignment heavily!).
Eddy, you’re already doing an amazing job—seriously, you have a strong mix of academics, leadership, and extracurriculars. If you keep this up, you’ll be a competitive applicant for UCSD, UCD, UCSC, Cal Poly SLO, and beyond.
I’d say the most important next steps for you are:
✔ Keep up (or improve) your GPA.
✔ Choose senior-year courses wisely (APs related to your major).
✔ Start brainstorming your UC essays early.
✔ Look for any last-minute opportunities (internships, leadership roles, competitions).
✔ Double-check application deadlines and requirements for each school.
You got this! If you ever need help with anything else, feel free to ask. I’m rooting for you! All the best Eddy! 🤗
Love your warmth and humor, Dr. H!
Martha Kramer
Martha, kindness like yours fuels the journey! Even in the vast universe of medicine, a little light and laughter make the path clearer. Stay luminous! Thank you so much! I truly appreciate your support! It means a lot!
Dr H
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Eddy !
I think that with the high school experience and grades you have, there should be no problem with being accepted to a University of California or a CSU ( Cal Poly is a CSU). You have a very impressive high school experience and have made the most of your high school years !
High School students that are preparing to apply to a UC or a CSU should aim for a GPA of 3.0 or higher. You didn't mention what your college Major would be so I am not able to suggest actual high school classes that would prepare you for your major. There are 80 colleges in California that do not require the SAT exam scores for admissions. The University of California colleges do not require this test score for admissions, but you must check with the particular CSU or private colleges to see if they require the SAT score on your transcript. My advice ? Take the SAT exam and have a score on your transcript because things change and it may hold you back if you do not have the exam scores for colleges that do require it. The SAT Exam is usually taken in your Junior year of High School, but if you've missed it already, talk to your guidance counselor about definitely taking it next year or ask if there's a scheduled exam from now till June that you can take. It will be important to take it even though currently some schools in your state do not require it. Things do change.
Unless I am mistaken, your clubs and extra curriculars do not appear on your high school transcripts, just your classes, grades and an SAT Score and your GPA. So keep striving for good grades. Your volunteer work and activity experience will be great for the college application and essay part of the application. I would say that you are on a stellar path leading to college admissions and you need not add anything more to your schedule unless you add different activities that you like and have enough free time to spend the way you want.
Check with your high school guidance counselor for classes to take next year that are connected to your prospective major. That will help you out as a student and not so much being for a showy transcript. Enjoy 12th grade because it will go fast and soon enough you will be a college student, meeting new people and having new opportunities socially, intellectually and lots of self-discovery and personal growth. College is a profound experience, one you will treasure your entire life.
I hope this helps and I welcome you in advance to return to Career Village ! Best wishes in all you do !
I think that with the high school experience and grades you have, there should be no problem with being accepted to a University of California or a CSU ( Cal Poly is a CSU). You have a very impressive high school experience and have made the most of your high school years !
High School students that are preparing to apply to a UC or a CSU should aim for a GPA of 3.0 or higher. You didn't mention what your college Major would be so I am not able to suggest actual high school classes that would prepare you for your major. There are 80 colleges in California that do not require the SAT exam scores for admissions. The University of California colleges do not require this test score for admissions, but you must check with the particular CSU or private colleges to see if they require the SAT score on your transcript. My advice ? Take the SAT exam and have a score on your transcript because things change and it may hold you back if you do not have the exam scores for colleges that do require it. The SAT Exam is usually taken in your Junior year of High School, but if you've missed it already, talk to your guidance counselor about definitely taking it next year or ask if there's a scheduled exam from now till June that you can take. It will be important to take it even though currently some schools in your state do not require it. Things do change.
Unless I am mistaken, your clubs and extra curriculars do not appear on your high school transcripts, just your classes, grades and an SAT Score and your GPA. So keep striving for good grades. Your volunteer work and activity experience will be great for the college application and essay part of the application. I would say that you are on a stellar path leading to college admissions and you need not add anything more to your schedule unless you add different activities that you like and have enough free time to spend the way you want.
Check with your high school guidance counselor for classes to take next year that are connected to your prospective major. That will help you out as a student and not so much being for a showy transcript. Enjoy 12th grade because it will go fast and soon enough you will be a college student, meeting new people and having new opportunities socially, intellectually and lots of self-discovery and personal growth. College is a profound experience, one you will treasure your entire life.
I hope this helps and I welcome you in advance to return to Career Village ! Best wishes in all you do !