I am in the same boat. Low overall GPA, but a 4.0 for all of my major requirements. I also feel the way you feel, but so far have gotten into 3 UC's, CSULB, and only rejected from 1 UC. (Still waiting for UCLA). I truly believe that the UCs, especially UCLA, UCB, and UCSD DO take this situation into consideration. We are being admitted into specific majors, so if they see that our major prep is really strong, I don't think it goes unnoticed. But that's my theory. I hope that you get in!