- Nora Sun
Tags: UC Berkeley, first generation
Institution: UC Berkeley
Study: Major in psychology
High School Experience
I had a good high school experience overall. I was able to find great friends as well as make many unforgettable memories! Something I may have not liked is the competition in our school, it may have not always been the best surviving in such an academically competitive school.
Course choices
I haven’t really chosen my courses yet but I definitely developed interest in psychology after taking an AP Psychology course when I was a junior.
AP/IBs
I took AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Lang, AP Psychology, AP Macro/Microeconomics, AP Lit, AP Chinese, and AP Statistics. I did well and can earn credit for most of these courses.
GPA
4.0 unweighted
Standardized Testing
SAT: 1550
SAT Chinese: 760
Extracurriculars
I was the captain of my swimming team (which I was part of the varsity team for all four of my high school years), I was also a part of the varsity volleyball team for two years. I was part of a film/media club within our school and held an executive position my junior and senior year.
Recommendations
Generally, I maintained very good relationships with all my teachers. However, especially the teachers that wrote my recommendations, I had relationships with them outside of the classroom whether it be with clubs, other events, and etc.
Essays
A continued theme I had amongst my essays really revolved around my personality. Whether it’d be minor events or some sort of activity I did, it always came back to me reflecting on myself and showing my true colors.
Strengths
The specific schools I’ve always dreamt about attending was something I truly emphasized within my essays. A lot of college essays ask “Why you want to attend this school” and I think I had very specific and valid reasons.
Advice
Circumstances
Legacy.
Why?
My dad has attended this school and my sister is currently attending. UC Berkeley was always a part of my life, and it was a dream of mine to continue that legacy. Besides, I believe it’s a great school!