Adult Learner/Mom's chances for UCLA transfer? Opinions needed.

Transfer Students
1

<p>I am who you would call the non traditional student. I returned to ccc in 2006 at 38 years old when my daughter was three years old. Before her birth, I was in the workforce for nearly 20 years.
Despite having no college degree, I was able to rise the top of my field (fashion retailing) and was earning close to six figures when I left in 2004. My work ethic is strong. Parenthood changed things for me, and I decided I'd had enough of the hectic, traveling, stressful lifestyle. So I gave up the big job with the big check.
I couldn't just sit home and do nothing while my daughter went to preschool, not my personality-so I decided to give college a shot, initially as kind of a hobby.
I ended up getting fully immersed in the coursework, and decided to pursue a degree full force. Fast forward to now, and I have applied to UCLA for the Fall 2009 term term. Here are my stats:</p>

<ul>
<li>Am a Communications major-suits my vast work experience, personality, strengths, and interests (should done more research beforehand, because I did not realize it was so impacted)</li>
<li>I have a 3.88 GPA with 47 out of 60 units completed-This includes my Fall 2008 grades (all A's- yay!) which came in today. All 60 to be completed by end of Spring 2009.</li>
<li>6/7 of the Communications major pre-reqs completed, the 7th not offered at my ccc- 4.0 in those six courses.
*Enrolled in the Honors Program (same as TAP, right?) but will not quite complete it by the end of Spring 2009. Two honors classes planned for Spring 2009, One for Winter 2009.</li>
<li>Will be IGETC certified by end of Spring 2009
*Am 41 years old, first generation college student</li>
<li>Extensive life experience, and heavy work experience related to the major. Solid personal statements (I write well-my authentic self is a writer in some form)</li>
</ul>

<p>I think what could hurt my chances is that I have only taken 9-11 units a semester. But balancing that with parenting, marriage, and household responsibilities has been a lot of work. I don't feel I could have handled more than that and still met my child's needs.We don't have any family in the area for back up. I explained my slower than average progress in prompt #3 of the personal statement part of the application. I also explained that I left the workforce to be a hands-on parent to my only child, and that I hoped the value of such would be understood and appreciated by the education community. Presently, my daughter is in kindergarten, so I have more time. I will be taking 13 units in Spring 2009.</p>

<p>I know the acceptance rate is only 15% for a UCLA Communications transfer. Could I be part of that 15%? I know the odds aren't great-but why couldn't it be me? I'd certainly add to the diversity of the campus, being twice the average age!</p>

<p>I have worked my rear end off for these grades-so if I don't get in I will be very disappointed. I need to stay put where I am logistically, for obvious reasons. If I wanted CSUN, I would have just cruised with B's and C's the past two years and enjoyed my life more. USC and Pepperdine aren't options because at my age, spending $80-$90K won't amortize. If I decide to go to Graduate school, I may pay that kind of money. But not for undergrad. I have college for my daughter and retirement to consider.</p>

<p>If you have gotten this far, thanks. I'd really appreciate any advice or input you can give me. Thanks! Its never too late to get educated!</p>

2

<p>i think you'd have a very good shot, not that you'd necessarilly get in because the acceptance rate is so low, but you appear to be a very strong applicant</p>

<p>my only question however is if youve been taking 9-11 credits a semester at a cc because you have a family to attend to, how are you going to manage 15-18 credits a semester at a much more competitive college?</p>

3

<p>Thanks to the pp. My CC is in semester units, UCLA is in quarter units-So an 18 quarter unit course load would be equivalent to 12 semester units. Does that make sense? Thats how my counselor explained it to me, anyway. I realize the quarter system is much more rigorous than the semester system, and more fast paced. </p>

<p>Since my daughter is now in school 5 days a week until 3pm, I think I could handle it. I guess if the faculty reviews me and decides that they don't think I can, it isn't meant to be for that very reason.</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

4

<p>You are a non-traditional student. All of the "rules" are different for you. If you want a clear reading, you should ask the UCLA admissions office these questions. A place that big should have staffers who specialize in dealing with the non-trads.</p>

<p>And as to course load, why on earth do you think that they would require you to take a full load each term? Is there some special rule at UCLA about this? Is it a California system thing? This is something else you need to discuss with the non-trad student counseling office.</p>

<p>18 quarter units each quarter for three quarters is the equivalent of 18 semester units each semester for two semesters. Your counselor is correct about the transfer equivalency, but he would greatly overload you with work. If you've been carrying 12 semester units every semester, you want to be carrying 12 quarter units each quarter. This will work out to be the same (or almost the same) number of classroom/laboratory hours each week. And yes, the quarter system will move more quickly for you! Just use all of your good time-management skills and you will be fine.</p>

<p>Wishing you all the best!</p>

5

<p>I think you are in without a doubt. The only thing that might torpedo you is if your personal statement totally blows. But you seem like the type that would do what it takes to make sure that didn't happen.</p>

<p>Good luck to you</p>

6

<p>the fact that you are a non-traditional student actually increases your chances. Plus you're coming from a CCC so you definitely should get in.
On another note, I think you'll do fine once you're in. You obviously have pretty good time management skills with having a family and working and such.</p>

7

<p>pinkdiamondgrl... woww.. i hope your email address isnt anything like that</p>

8

<p>Well, I would take you in a heartbeat.</p>

<p>Great story and I join the others in wishing you the very best.</p>

<p>I can never speak to "chances" at the highly selective schools like UCLA. But you are a strong applicant with a great story. I'm sure you will do well in whatever you do - that just sings right through your post.</p>

<p>Keep us posted on how things go.</p>

9

<p>Thanks for the thoughts everyone-I appreciate it. </p>

<p>And Autrefois, my e-mail address is very straightforward and standard.</p>