- Nora Sun
Tags: UC Berkeley, low income
Institution: University of California Berkeley
Study: Major in biological sciences
High School Experience
Course choices
A major academic interest was the science department. I really, really enjoyed my biology and chemistry classes. Also, I really enjoyed my Anatomy class as well. I think this was particularly good since I was always pretty keen on taking advanced courses in the science and math subjects, and my interest in these subjects definitely aided that.
AP/IBs
Sophomore year, I took AP European History (3). Junior year, I took AP U.S. History (4) and AP Spanish Language and Culture (5), Senior year, I took AP Chemistry (N/A), AP Calculus AB (N/A), AP U.S. Government and Politics (N/A), and AP Macroeconomics (N/A).
GPA
4.6 weighted
Standardized Testing
SAT: 1230
Extracurriculars
I did cheerleading all of my years of high school; varsity for the last three years. I also volunteered at my local hospital my junior and senior years.
Recommendations
My english teacher was that teacher I had a love/hate relationship with, as well as my AP Chem teacher. They were such amazing teachers and guides, though, that over time I built a trust with them and enjoyed visiting their class after school to talk or joke. In a way, they got to know me as something other than a student in their class so that was really cool.
Essays
I didn't really stick to a theme. I kind of wrote whatever the essay question asked me about. I did incorporate a lot of my heartfelt emotions into my writing, though, and without directly stating my values I laid them out in my essays.
Strengths
Personally, I think that my confidence made me strong. At the end of the day, I was creating a portrayal of who I am that would hopefully be someone the admissions offices liked. I was as genuine as possible, especially about my background and the things that made me passionate, so I think that’s something they liked.
Advice
Honestly, DON’T LIE on your application! I think this is pretty obvious, but I mean it! We all like to flaunt our talents and passions, and a little excess never hurt anyone. Just don’t flat out lie about something because it will be obvious, trust me!
Circumstances
Low income
Why?
I chose UC Berkeley because of many reasons. First of all, the financial aid and scholarships. This school aided me a lot for tuition and expenses so that was a big factor. Second, it’s been my dream school for years! Third, I really like how passionate the students at Berkeley are about political activism and that’s something I want to be a part of at the school I attend.