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

Transfer Students UC Transfers
1

<p>I initially posted in the general transfer forum, but I think this sub-forum is a more appropriate venue for my concerns.
I am a non traditional student. I returned to CC in 2006 at 38 years old when my daughter was three. 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.
I couldn't just sit home and do nothing while my daughter went to preschool, so I decided to give college a shot, initially as kind of a hobby.
I ended up immersed in the coursework, and decided to pursue a degree full force. 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) 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.</li>
</ul>

<p>I think what could hurt my chances is that I have only taken 9-11 units a semester. 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, 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 semester 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 not me? I'd certainly add to the diversity of the campus.</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. </p>

<p>If you have gotten this far, thanks. I'd really appreciate any advice or input you can give me.</p>

2

<p>I think you do have a shot. The average GPA of applicants is 3.35 which means that it's not like out of the 700 or so who apply each year, all of them had stellar records. You have a lot of life experience and given that your essays are solid, you have a better chance. But, of course, you should have a back up plan since the average GPA of admits is 3.89-- you're right around there (albeit a teensy bit below it). </p>

<p>I think you definitely have a good shot. It's not like you have a 1/10 shot...you're not amongst those 3.35 GPA applicants. Keep that in mind. Sometimes we tend to think that we're competing against 90% of everyone else when we're really not.</p>

<p>I really, really do hope that you get in!</p>

3

<p>i agree with nick... assuming that your essays are stellar you should not have a big problem getting into UCLA, although completing TAP wouldve solidified your chances even more</p>

<p>i am in the same situation (grades-wise) as you are except im a history major and it is much easier for history majors to make it to UCLA (average gpa for history admits for fall08 being 3.64). I worked my tail off for my 3.83 (hopefully a 3.89 after fall grades)... i will be shattered if i dont make it to either UCLA or Cal (doing TAP for BOTH schools)</p>

4

<p>pink... is UCLA the only school you applied for or did you also apply to Cal? I know this doesn't answer your question but you have an excellent shot at Cal as they love adult learners and have an excellent student parent program</p>

5

<p>UCLA luckily loves non tradional students. MAKE SURE you emphazise what you have done with your life, the reasons why you are a first generation student, and other things of that nature. They all play a BIG role for you. </p>

<p>Having said that, being a non trad at UCLA myself at one point, you do know that they do not cater at all to non trad students. Most of your classes will be during the day. </p>

<p>You should get TAP certified that will help you a little, even though I do not recall if being tap certified for COMM gives you the option of an alternate major, it may not in which case there is no need to take ANY honors courses at all, as it really doesnt give you an edge.</p>

<p>Considering that UCLA likes students who are non trad and have to overcome hurdles to go to school you would be a match, but considering your chosen major of COMM it is hard to truly predict because so many qualified applicants get rejected simply because there is no space.</p>

6

<p>And, to answer your other question, I'm pretty sure the UCs not care the length of time it has taken you to get through community college, particularly when it's clear that you have been working full time.</p>

7

<p>I honestly think that you will get accepted. Your situation differs from many of the applicants, and you have extensive experience in your field. I'm sure for a major like communications, diversity which clearly you could add to is more important than simply students who exceed the average gpa of the major. </p>

<p>And...I want to say I'm really amazed at how you completed all those units with a high gpa, while having a child to take care of. Most moms wouldn't be able to go through with it. </p>

<p>Good luck! :)</p>

8

<p>I think that they would be foolish not to accept you, the only reason that I'd see for them rejecting you would be a lack of space. Addressing your unique situation in the supplemental section of the application was the right move and I think it will really make the difference with the admissions department.</p>

9

<p>I say that even with a lack of space, they will make room for her.</p>

10

<p>Thank you for all your replies!</p>

<p>Even if I don't get in due to space constraints, I know I have worked to the best of my ability. Its kind of like, do the best you can, and let go of the results.</p>

<p>I sure appreciate your votes of confidence though! Makes me feel very hopeful.</p>