u/T0DEtheELEVATED

what to expect?

Here's some categories that are shown on a UCSD Admit File:

Extracurriculars

- Demonstrated via recognition, awards, time commitment, growth, innovation, selfstarter * Leadership: (scored 1-5, a lower score is better)

- Demonstrated potential to positively contribute to the UC San Diego Community * Contribution to Community: (scored 1-5)

- In the context of educational and personal circumstances * Talent (including honors & awards): (scored 1-5)

- Employment: (Yes/No)

- Caretaker (siblings, elderly family member, etc.): (Yes/No)

Academics

- Took advantage of optional rigorous course load: (scored 1-5)

- Rigor across multiple discipline areas In the context of educational opportunities available * Performance (grades, # of courses, rigor): (scored 1-5)

PIQs

It appears each reader can choose 3 PIQs (I had 2 readers and 1 chose a different 3 from the other) to read.

Final Score

A final score from 1-5 is then given, with 1 generally meaning better odds at admission.

My thoughts: UC admissions has always been a lottery and a not very transparent process. Even though these categories are listed on the admit file, the way these categories are judged is unknown, and what might be tiebreakers or further determining factors (of which there are likely many) are not shown. Institution priorities, for example, are still likely a massive factor in admissions that cannot be controlled by an applicant.

I try to let go and then she says something,
something small, so small that it's probably meaningless,
but I’m back to building the old fire
that I swore I’d stop building.

I’m the one who brings the firewood.
I’m the one who strikes the match.
And then I act surprised at the smoke,
as if I didn’t construct this room with no windows.

Maybe that’s the part I can’t forgive myself for,
not the feelings, I can’t help the feelings,
but the way I keep choosing to stay in the flames,
like it’s the only warm place left.