Her 4.09 is below average for a UC Berkeley or UCLA incoming Freshman. I think the average is around 4.2.
By the way my All-American son couldn't get into those two UC schools despite a 4.15 GPA and SAT’s in the top 99%. But he doesn't need someone to write a sob story about him, he's 5th in his class at a mid-tier UC school and is currently interning at a Fortune 100 company.
You are correct. My girl graduated with a 4.6. She starts Grad School this Fall, at age 19. Chemistry and Bio-Medical Engineering. Grants and scholarships pay everything. I’m not worried about her prospects! And,,, I;’m very proud of her!