Speaks Out

What are the most important factors the University of
California should consider for admissions applications?
Why? Julie DeLiema Fourth-year
Communication studies “I think that it should be based on
grades, how much of a well-rounded student you are and what you did
in high school, showing what different activities and
accomplishments you can contribute to the university as a whole. It
should not focus on a few specific things.” Valerie
Velasco Fourth-year Economics “It should be geared
toward extracurricular activities, because I do gymnastics and that
takes a lot of time out of academics. It should reflect that you
work extra hard in other activities and not just school. I think
they shouldn’t get rid of the SAT [requirement], but they
should look at extracurricular activities to better evaluate the
person.” Mickey Marshall Fourth-year
Psychology “Socio-economic status and mainly family
background, I’d say those are factors that definitely need to
follow for the admissions process. I think that the essay as well
as the student’s opportunity to equal education is important.
Although I realize there has to be some sort of standardized test,
it’s not an equal playing field because some students come
from better high schools that have tons of AP classes.”
Rebecca Zarchy First-year Linguistics and French
“Get rid of the SAT. The SAT is inherently geared toward
white upper middle class people. It’s not the majority of the
population. Nobody’s life can be summed up in a bunch of
numbers. There’s no way to tell what a person’s gone
through. If they’ve had a lot of hardships, then it’s
likely they haven’t been given as many opportunities.”
Speaks Out compiled by Edward Chiao, Daily Bruin Senior Staff.
Photos by Bridget O’Brien, Daily Bruin Senior Staff.