Should I even bother applying?

[Sushingreentea]

I just completed the pre-req section of the application for UCB. I click on the link that calculates my pre-req gpa and it's 3.04. ): Should I even bother applying? I'm really thinking about jumping ship since I haven't even written the personal statements and my 3.04 doesn't look very competitive

Just to give you an idea of what kind of candidate I am...
OAT: AA:360 TS 380
Overall GPA 3.15
Double major: Bio and Business
Worked as a optometric assistant for 9 months. 2nd year volunteer at my school's Eye Clinic. Currently, also interning with another optometrist.
Started a chapter of Unite for Sight at my school.
Volunteered with Sight Savers, a glaucoma clinic.

 

[eheaps]

The only thing that I would say might stop you from applying is the fact that it is pretty late to just get going. However, it doesn't hurt to try! Your OAT numbers and experience is great, especially starting the UFS chapter! Is UCB your only interest? You could try applying to a couple other schools as well, maybe even the new ones (Western, Midwestern). My GPA is lower than yours and OAT scores lower as well and I got 6 interview invites and 1 acceptance so far (Western). If you choose not to apply now, take a few classes, bring up the GPA a little and apply early next year!

 

[blysssful]

YES! Apply now! Berkeley doesn't have rolling admissions, so it's not too late until December 15.

From UCBSO's site:
"December 1, 2008 is the final date to sit for the OAT. On December 15, 2008 at 11:59pm PST, all online applications must be submitted, and all supporting documents (letters of recommendation, letters of recommendation forms, and transcripts) must be *received — not postmarked, by this date."

Something to think about:
"My good friend just found out today that she was rejected from UCBSO. She applied with a 3.8 GPA and 380 average OAT score. I still haven't heard from them. However, I'm being realistic and I expect my rejection letter in a few days. I applied with just a 3.2 GPA and 330 OAT score, so I doubt I made the cut. My other two friends that applied and received their acceptance letters last week had a GPA around 3.6-3.8, and an average OAT score of 360-380."

The person that wrote that was accepted (although it was several years ago).

Worst case scenario, you don't get accepted and you lose your application fee.

 

[sportsdude00]

YES! Apply now! Berkeley doesn't have rolling admissions, so it's not too late until December 15.

From UCBSO's site:
"December 1, 2008 is the final date to sit for the OAT. On December 15, 2008 at 11:59pm PST, all online applications must be submitted, and all supporting documents (letters of recommendation, letters of recommendation forms, and transcripts) must be *received — not postmarked, by this date."

Something to think about:
"My good friend just found out today that she was rejected from UCBSO. She applied with a 3.8 GPA and 380 average OAT score. I still haven't heard from them. However, I'm being realistic and I expect my rejection letter in a few days. I applied with just a 3.2 GPA and 330 OAT score, so I doubt I made the cut. My other two friends that applied and received their acceptance letters last week had a GPA around 3.6-3.8, and an average OAT score of 360-380."

The person that wrote that was accepted (although it was several years ago).

Worst case scenario, you don't get accepted and you lose your application fee.

I agree with that. I've been told from them that they've accepted from the high 2's to a 4.0 GPA. They look at everything, not just the grades, so you should be good. Just get that app in!

 

[Sushingreentea]

Thanks for replying.

I'll just go through with applying.

 

[blysssful]

I agree with that. I've been told from them that they've accepted from the high 2's to a 4.0 GPA. They look at everything, not just the grades, so you should be good. Just get that app in!

Their site says they have a minimum of a 3.0.

 

[zyg0te]

Their site says they have a minimum of a 3.0.

Since you're applying to the graduate division of UC Berkeley, their requirement is for a 3.0. I believe if the rest of your application is stellar, the dean of admissions may fight for you to get a seat. (Good OAT scores and a really good personal statement)

 

[ODhereicome]

definitely apply, my stats were pre-req 3.04, overall 3.06, AA and TS 340, and i got accepted so its worth applying.