<p>So I just started back up with school this past spring semester. When I started I figured I would keep working full-time and take the classes for the next few years then apply to be a fall 2014 transfer. But now that I'm getting really into the swing of things I find that I have more time then I thought I would. Which got me thinking, if I focus on one school (Cal) and I add two additional classes the next few semesters I can have the 60 transferable unit done by the end of the spring 2013. </p>
<p>So my questions would be...</p>
<p>1) Would I even be able to apply with 21 units completed, 20 in progress and 19 to be done in the spring?
2) Would admissions have a problem with this? Or would they that me having a heavy course load as a good thing?
3) Does anybody recommend against/for this? Any personal experience with this type of situation? </p>
<p>Like I said this would be just concentrating on Cal as a Media Studies major. If I did not get in I would take the extra semesters to do the pre-reqs for UCLA, UCSD and UCSB then apply to those as well as reapply to UCB.</p>
<p>Or should I just stick to the original game plan and take my time?</p>
<p>You will need to report the grades for Fall term in January and those grades will be calculated into your GPA for admission evaluation, so you shouldn’t be disadvantaged too much (you’ll have 41 units worth of grades available for admission consideration). Aim to have your major prereqs completed by the end of Fall term as well.</p>
<p>That’s what I was thinking for the prereqs, luckily it’s only four classes so I was planning taking two this summer and two in the fall. With the prereqs and the IGETC I’ll have 48 units and still need 12 more. Would it be bad to find just some random easy classes to help boost my gpa?</p>
<p>Remember to have a favorable chance at admission, it’s not just about having 60 units. If you want to apply with exactly 60 units, be sure you complete all of your major pre-requisites (preferably by Fall 2012) and have your IGETC and/or Berkeley’s breadth requirements completed by the time you transfer. Most people end up with over 60 units satisfying those requirements. You’ll also want to be sure to have noteworthy ECs for Berkeley that demonstrate you have a strong, productive interest in your major and keep your GPA pretty high 3.7+. Also just for clarification because you said you plan on taking around 20 units the next two semesters, the 60 unit requirement is only if your CC is on the semester system. The requirement is the equivalent of 90 quarter units, if your school is on the quarter system. </p>
<p>All in all, go ahead and apply next year for Berkeley, it’s worth a shot. I’d say it’s typically pretty hard to transfer in less than 2 years and satisfy all your requirements. If you apply for Fall 2013 admission having just started Spring 2012 that means you’ll transfer in just 1.5 years. But If you can manage it all whilst working then more power to you.</p>