Berkeley 2011 applicants Forum

[april3141]

From what I've read about Berkeley's admissions process initially Dean Tom grants some acceptences because they would likey be accepted if they went to committee and similarly he selects some to be denied because of the high likelihood of being rejected if they went to committee. Given this information, why do some applicants stay "under review" for so long if they have already been rejected by Dean Tom?

[helloperson]

From what I've read about Berkeley's admissions process initially Dean Tom grants some acceptences because they would likey be accepted if they went to committee and similarly he selects some to be denied because of the high likelihood of being rejected if they went to committee. Given this information, why do some applicants stay "under review" for so long if they have already been rejected by Dean Tom?

My guess is that someone working for him sorts the files by number strength, and he looks through highest numbers first working his way down.

[BackToTheOldHouse]

From what I've read about Berkeley's admissions process initially Dean Tom grants some acceptences because they would likey be accepted if they went to committee and similarly he selects some to be denied because of the high likelihood of being rejected if they went to committee. Given this information, why do some applicants stay "under review" for so long if they have already been rejected by Dean Tom?

My guess is that someone working for him sorts the files by number strength, and he looks through highest numbers first working his way down.

I have no idea how this process works, but I was admitted by Dean Tom and my numbers are not high (below both medians, I think). It could be that my app was put on his table because of my answers on the socio-economic questionnaire (I come from pretty humble beginnings). Whatever the case, I applied to Berkeley later than I did other schools (most were done before Thanksgiving and I didn't complete Berk's until like a week into December). I was admitted less than a month later.

All I can say is that I am so happy that I applied on a whim and took a chance. At this point there are only a couple schools that could even come close to knocking UCB out of my first place spot.

HTH

[restless]

I've been UR since 1/25. Given that this was my super-reach, I've pretty much come to the conclusion that the dean is having a good laugh with my application. Who knows, he might even send it into committee next week just so they can have a real knee-slapper.
/End self-deprecation

[april3141]

From what I've read about Berkeley's admissions process initially Dean Tom grants some acceptences because they would likey be accepted if they went to committee and similarly he selects some to be denied because of the high likelihood of being rejected if they went to committee. Given this information, why do some applicants stay "under review" for so long if they have already been rejected by Dean Tom?

My guess is that someone working for him sorts the files by number strength, and he looks through highest numbers first working his way down.

I guess the reason I am confused is because on Berkeley's website its says that after these initial acceptances and denials their site reads that "the remaining applicants are given more extended consideration by the Admissions Committee". If this is true, and even if they order the applicants by strength, I don't understand why some have been under review for so long while others get dinged in relatively short amount of time. I wonder if the applicants who have a 90% - 99.99% of being rejected by committee are immediately rejected and the other applicants that stand a 70% - 90% of being rejected are in a separate pile that collects dust "just in case". I have only been UR since 01/18 and while it is my dream school it is definitely a reach for me.

[helloperson]

I guess the reason I am confused is because on Berkeley's website its says that after these initial acceptances and denials their site reads that "the remaining applicants are given more extended consideration by the Admissions Committee". If this is true, and even if they order the applicants by strength, I don't understand why some have been under review for so long while others get dinged in relatively short amount of time. I wonder if the applicants who have a 90% - 99.99% of being rejected by committee are immediately rejected and the other applicants that stand a 70% - 90% of being rejected are in a separate pile that collects dust "just in case". I have only been UR since 01/18 and while it is my dream school it is definitely a reach for me.

hey! you are in the same pile as me. UR since 1/18. Most likely we will both get dinged since we applied so late, unless your numbers are pretty stellar and your app is otherwise compelling. The Admissions Committee review shows up as something else in your status checker, so you'll know if you make it to that stage.

[Shloime]

Anyone else still UR since 12/20 (or earlier)?

[sanguar]

Anyone else still UR since 12/20 (or earlier)?

12/20 here too (no CR). It's nice having some company!

[queenlizzie13]

Anyone else still UR since 12/20 (or earlier)?

12/20 here too (no CR). It's nice having some company!

I'm UR 11/22. And definitely wondering why I haven't been rejected yet.

[april3141]

I guess the reason I am confused is because on Berkeley's website its says that after these initial acceptances and denials their site reads that "the remaining applicants are given more extended consideration by the Admissions Committee". If this is true, and even if they order the applicants by strength, I don't understand why some have been under review for so long while others get dinged in relatively short amount of time. I wonder if the applicants who have a 90% - 99.99% of being rejected by committee are immediately rejected and the other applicants that stand a 70% - 90% of being rejected are in a separate pile that collects dust "just in case". I have only been UR since 01/18 and while it is my dream school it is definitely a reach for me.

hey! you are in the same pile as me. UR since 1/18. Most likely we will both get dinged since we applied so late, unless your numbers are pretty stellar and your app is otherwise compelling. The Admissions Committee review shows up as something else in your status checker, so you'll know if you make it to that stage.

Yes and what an unfortunate pile it is. However, I can still fantasize about getting in all the way until I get the notorious "nice" rejection letter.

[kelesands]

UR 12/13 no CR no rejection

...and i would go to berkeley over my other schools every time

Just rip the bandaid and do it, Berk! But I'll wait as long as it takes for an acceptance <3 <3

[RedItalus10]

Im Under Review (no committee review) since 11/29...my stats are 3.7/166...im considering writing a letter expressing my interest in the school...any thoughts?

[parsi]

I submitted on 12/23, went UR 12/27...No word yet..

3.9x/171 and I only wrote a 2.5pg PS, which I think is hurting me.


Anyone have any advice? Should I write a LOCI?

[Gotti]

I've been UR since 1/25. Given that this was my super-reach, I've pretty much come to the conclusion that the dean is having a good laugh with my application. Who knows, he might even send it into committee next week just so they can have a real knee-slapper.
/End self-deprecation

Lol you're worried about being UR for not even a month? There are many November UR's and I'm personally 12/6 and haven't heard a peep. Don't worry...there is some unknown method to their madness

[jrose5]

You guys are probably somewhat safe, as I am a later applicant who already got the ding. I submitted 1/07, got the rejection last Thursday. 3.76/170 - I suppose they really hated something about my app...

[c_dubya_s]

I submitted on 12/23, went UR 12/27...No word yet..

3.9x/171 and I only wrote a 2.5pg PS, which I think is hurting me.


Anyone have any advice? Should I write a LOCI?

I don't think it's panic time quite yet--I got in with almost your exact numbers and a 2.5 pg PS. As long as your PS is good, I don't think you need to take up all four pages. It was almost exactly two months in between by submission date and my decision, so hopefully you should hear something by late February.

[Flips88]

Just got moved to 2nd CR! Decision expected by March 11th!

[sanguar]

CR2 here, too!

[WarioLaw]

Just got moved to 2nd CR! Decision expected by March 11th!

+1

[WarioLaw]

Someone start a new thread for us CR2s to begin obsessively checking.

[chasgoose]

I just got placed in CR with decision forthcoming on March 11th. I wasn't in the first CR group, but I was only complete on 1/10. Is this a good thing?

[sanguar]

I just got placed in CR with decision forthcoming on March 11th. I wasn't in the first CR group, but I was only complete on 1/10. Is this a good thing?

It means you live to fight another day.

[cawquette]

I just got placed in CR with decision forthcoming on March 11th. I wasn't in the first CR group, but I was only complete on 1/10. Is this a good thing?

It means you live to fight another day.

i just got the same e-mail. we shall see...

idk if it is is good or bad! =/

[Salty]

CR2 as well! Submitted 12/13

Good luck to everyone in round 2!

[Flips88]

I just got placed in CR with decision forthcoming on March 11th. I wasn't in the first CR group, but I was only complete on 1/10. Is this a good thing?

Yes, it's largely considered good, because it means you were a good enough applicant for Dean Tom to not outright reject, but obviously not an auto-admit. I've read that softs gain more weight in CR so hopefully that bodes well for us.