Annie Said:

Are my activities good enough to get into RPI or Penn State?

We Answered:

Extracurricular activities round out an application. If you have good grades and test scores with these activities, great. If you spend so much time on non-curriculum activities that your grades or test scores suffer, not so great.

Carla Said:

Should we expect a full airing of Sonia Sotomayor's affiliation with the National Council of La Raza?

We Answered:

Just for the sake of informing those who have doubts about her membership. She IS, in fact, a member of the National Council of La Raza.

"In addition to her work on the bench, Judge Sotomayor is an adjunct professor at New York University School of Law and a lecturer-in-law at Columbia Law School. She is a member of the American Bar Association, the New York Women’s Bar Association, the Puerto Rican Bar Association, the Hispanic National Bar Association, the Association of Judges of Hispanic Heritage, and the National Council of La Raza. She has received many honors including, most recently, an award from the National Association of Women Lawyers."

Constance Said:

What do colleges look for in a good college freshman?

We Answered:

I'm looking to go there myself. Your extracurriculars are great, but 2/3 of Penn State's decision is based on GPA. You have a pretty good shot if your GPA is higher than 3.5. 31% of students have a GPA 3.5-3.74, and 30% have a GPA 3.75+
SAT scores are also an important factor.
Here are the averages...
Critical Reading: 530-630
Math: 560-670
Writing: 540-640

Here is a passage from Penn States website
"Penn State bases admission decisions on a variety of factors. The high school grade-point average (GPA) accounts for approximately two-thirds of the decision. The remaining one-third is based on other factors, which may include standardized test scores (students taking the ACT are required to complete and submit the writing component), class rank, the personal statement, and activities list. Class rank is also considered for students with honors or Advanced Placement courses whose schools do not supply a weighted GPA. The optional personal statement and activity list are sometimes considered for students whose applications require additional review."

So as you can see, grades are very important to Penn State. Again, your extracurriculars are great, but I have to say, I know someone who got into main campus, with pretty much zero extracurriculars. It's mostly about the grades.
If you don't get into main, you'll get into a branch.
I can't help too much, sorry =/ I'm still not in college haha.
Hopefully this helped a little bit though.

Ian Said:

How well does this place me to go to a top British university?

We Answered:

okay, im going to be realistic with you. i go to one of the best grammar schools in my area and we just had a university talk, and they said that even if you get 11A*s at GCSE and 4As at A Level, it doesnt guarantee a place at oxbridge, etc. your extra-curricular stuff will REALLY help!
it all depends on whether they'll like you and what course you opt for. ohh..! 1/3 graduates regret taking the course they did. CHOOSE WITH CARE!
i'm not saying don't apply, im saying there is a possibility that you may et rejected.
I got 3A*s 6As and 2Bs at GCSE, predicted ABBC at AS Level and im not gna both applying for top 30 :P
im too thick :(

oh, and if you go to a really good school, do they make you feel really thick, or is that just my school...?

Josephine Said:

What are my chances to get into UCLA, UCB, UCSD, or UCSB?

We Answered:

Most likely you'll get into UCSB, you'll have a good chance. As for UCSD, UCLA, and UC Berkeley, it's a long shot. These 3 universities are at the same level so they require admits to have GPA's over a 4.0.

Edith Said:

Question about post grad at UC Berkeley and others?

We Answered:

Forget Berkeley. The California budget crises has caused Berkeley to not accept anyone not a California resident for a post graduate degree.

My daughter was offered a post graduate degree from Berkeley a few months ago and they had to withdraw the offer a couple weeks ago. Because they simply no longer have the money. They had to cut the salaries of the professors 15% and all the best ones will be leaving the end of this semester.

This in spite of her research is able to bring in enough money to fund her. The problem is that without the professors they will not be able to offer her the classes she needs. And her fellowship in Washington and her 4.0 GPA in grad school cannot counteract that either.

I am afraid the California Public Universities are falling apart and they are conserving what resources they have left for California residents.

However, my daughter has been accepted by several other schools in the eastern US and will start her PhD this fall regardless.

In your case, I have to say it is very hard. I do not know if your research will bring in grant money from the US government which is what the schools in the US are looking for in post graduate students.

All I can say is to apply at several schools and see what they say. But I feel you will be wasting your time applying to any UC schools.