High Hopes Application FAQ

Make sure to select the correct program (Q#1 of the Contact Information section).

Choose your program carefully: Community College High Hopes for high school seniors, Bachelor's Degree High Hopes for high school seniors, Community College High Hopes for current Berkeley City College students, or consideration for both. If you're getting questions that don't make sense, you may have selected the wrong program.

What are a SAR and SAI? Where do I find them?

SAR is your Student Aid Report; SAI is your Student Aid Index. Both come from completing the FAFSA or California Dream Act application. Upload the complete SAR document, not just the first page.

I think I have a high SAI. Am I still eligible?

A higher SAI doesn't automatically disqualify you. We review your entire application and consider financial hardship circumstances such as multiple family members in college or lack of parental support.

What is the chance of being selected?

Selection depends on the applicant pool size, total applications received, and how many students meet the prioritized criteria that year.

I am not a first-generation student. Am I still eligible?

Yes. You do not have to meet all three criteria to qualify. We review individual context and circumstances.

What are you looking for from my transcript?

Upload a complete transcript including senior Fall grades and Spring courses currently in progress (or the equivalent for community college applicants).

What GPA should I use?

Use your unweighted cumulative GPA.

How many activities should I list?

Include meaningful activities — formal or informal. Focus on significance over quantity. The most important part is the essay asking you to describe your two most meaningful activities.

What are you looking for in the essays?

Essay 1 (750 words max): describe a personal or academic achievement and the steps you took to accomplish it. Essay 2 (350 words max): what you hope to learn in college and gain from the experience. Draft in Word or Google Docs first, then paste in.

I don't know where I'm going to college yet. What should I enter?

List your top ten preferred colleges in order, noting acceptance or waitlist status where applicable.

How many letters of recommendation do I need?

One letter from a teacher, counselor, coach, or another adult familiar with your academics — not a relative or friend. Request it via the "Request" section of your application dashboard.