Date: Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:20:22 -0700
To: (deleted)
From: (deleted)
Subject: Re: follow up from admissions meeting in April 2008
CC: ggatsonlong@avaas.org
Hi (Deleted),
I remember you and your parents very well. (deleted) referred you to me. I'm impressed to see you doing the things that will make your application stronger. I definitely think you should apply to UC. You are eligible, and therefore guaranteed for admission to the UC system if you take two SAT subject tests by the December 2008 tests date. Remember, Math I does not qualify as one of them. You should also take the ACT plus writing. That can be used instead of the SAT Reasoning if you get a higher score. If you wish to practice the ACT, contact Ms. Gwen Gatson_Long at ggatsonlong@avaas.org, who may be able to provide you with an opportunity to practice the ACT test online. I am copying her in this message.
For Berkeley, I have seen applicants admitted with grades and test scores like yours, but as I said to you when you were here, it depends on the rest of the application. Usually there are other outstanding qualities presented in the application in such cases.
(Deleted), keep reaching high. I am sure you will have many wonderful options.
Best,
(Deleted)
Georgia Houston Webb
Associate Director, Marketing & Recruitment
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
University of California, Berkeley
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Tips for a UC Application
Subject: RE: UCLA Appeal
Hi (Deleted)
I reviewed your application and have some tips for you to consider to strengthen your application for appeal (I cannot promise this will change the decision):
1. request to change your major to the college of letters and science (undeclared)
2. highlight some of your activities your clubs and athletics and highlight your leadership roles and how they help shape who you are
3. you should speak more about Bruin week and how it may have helped you with college choice and preparation for applications
4. were you also part of AVAAS or other pre-college program? you should mention that experience as well
5. you will need to give us your first semester grades for senior year
6. do you have teachers or counselors who have known you and can speak to your academic abilities
all this can be sent to:
UCLA Admissions
appeal committee
1147 Murphy Hall
405 Hilgard Ave
LA, Ca. 90095
send it as soon as you can! Best wishes.
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A MOTHER'S TESTIMONY
AVAAS has been the force instrumental in providing my son and I with appropriate individualized resources, designed to positively produce results that continue to impact our lives. AVAAS to me not only talks a good talk, but they are willing to walk a good walk as well.
For example:
When I was experiencing difficulties creating an effective working relationship between the teachers, the administrative staff and myself, at my son's school, AVAAS served as a mediator between the school and me. After, AVAAS' intervention my son was rightfully placed in the honors classes that he deserved, then AVAAS made sure that we became aware of the PSAT Preparatory workshop offered at the UCLA campus, which we attended and gained a wealth of knowledge about test taking skills.
AVAAS also has given us other resources which has enhanced my son's leadership skills as well as improved my parenting skills as it relates to raising a young African American Male as single mother. I also was directed to different cultural and social events that are important to people of color, with a main focus on African Cultures, these were very empowering experiences for us.
I believe that the positive impact that AVAAS has made in our lives will not only be gauged by how we utilize the tools and services that they provided to us; moreover, to me, it will be measured on how we, in turn pass on what AVAAS taught us, to others. For AVAAS truly exemplifies the phrase "It takes a Village to Raise a Child".
Thank you AVAAS and "Keep the Faith"
Our Love Always, Ms. Frank Noah
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Dear Ms. Jackson: (To Lyle Jackson AVAAS Steering Committee Member and Minority Educational Task Force Director)
I hope everything is going well for you and your family. I personally felt abliged to take time to sincerely thank you, for creating such wonderful opportunities for myself and other minorities just like me. I would also like to thank you for taking your time in expanding the "dream" of college, and helping us individually discover our own little niche in life.
I would also like to further congratulate you for giving the experience to young men like my self to meet such an incredible renaissance hero such as Dr. Sawyer. Now, I've been in the presence of Shaq, I have shaken the hand of many extraordinary people, male and female, but the respect that Dr. Sawyer receives just by introducing him self is uncanny! But definitely well, deserved.
You have really shed the light on me, when it comes to my future and the future of my loved ones around me, so thank you very much. I am excited to embark on this journey that lays in front of me. Also, I am looking forward to having many fruitful conversations in four to five years from now, discussing the bright future of a new younger generation and discussing ways to expand the "revolution."
There is a poem by an amazing poet slash author by the name of Marianne Williamson, that I would like to share with you:
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond imagination. It is our light more than our darkness which scares us. We ask ourselves – who are we to be brilliant, beautiful, talented, and fabulous. But honestly, who are you to not be so? You are a child of God, small games do not work in this world. For those around us to feel peace, it is not example to make ourselves small. We were born to express the glory of God that lives in us. It is not in some of us, it is in all of us. While we allow our light to shine, we unconsciously give permission for others to do the same. When we liberate ourselves from our own fears, simply our presence may liberate others,’
- Marianne Williamson in Return to Love: Reflections on a Course in Miracles
It is very inspiring to me, and reading it every morning prevents any hesitation in trying to better my self educationally and spiritually. Thank you for the opportunity of a life time.
Sincerely,
Michael Ortiz