<p>I am currently a pre-nursing student at SDSU and really want to at least try to transfer to UCLA. I know I have last priority in transferring to a UC because I go to a CSU but me going to a CCC is not an option because 1. my parents will not let me, & 2. I plan transferring this fall as well as to other CSU's to see which nursing schools I can get in to. SO, although difficult do you think it is possible with my major?</p>
<p>I have around a 3.5ishh and hopefully I can raise that to somewhere in the 3.6's by the end of this semester. I WILL be taking prerequsite classes at the time of transferring, however. Also, I have a sibling that goes to UCLA and is in the nursing program if that helps my chances?</p>
<p>My major is Nursing, btw which I know makes things even harder, but do I have at least a decent shot?</p>
<p>sure, you have a shot. Just make sure to complete the prereqs, and write a compelling ‘Why transfer/UCLA essay’. (Since you are already in a fine Nursing program, you need to give UCLA a big reason to accept you instead of another transfer.)</p>
<p>Eslewhere on the nursing website (under “apply”) they also have the supplemental questionaire required of all nursing applicants. You ought to read thru since some of it is about relevant experience, something you can make sure you get by the time you fill out the questionaire. Figure out every bonus factor you can qualify for and make sure you do them in the next year or so. Also read thru the form they use for the required recs, and make sure you are building relationships at work/school that will give you strong recs.</p>
<p>The competition is intense; according to MsSun’s blog, “Transfer: Nursing admitted 10 out of 160 applicants” Now the true rate isn’t that bad; the 1st thing they do in a competitive program like this is screen out anyone who hasn’t met all of the requirements, and that means each and every one. That probably leaves 80 qualified applicants, if I make a wild guess at it, and so even still the rate is not very good.</p>
<p>I’m not saying don’t do it, but I would say don’t put all your eggs in to this basket. Cast a wide net and something will work out for you!</p>
<p>Thanks for your responses. More questions please! Well as for my essay I was thinking of writing about how I have a twin sister who goes to UCLA and last year visited her many, many times (I was always at UCLA on the weekends, and made many friends there), and because of this I had the unique experience of being able to directly compare and contrast the CSU and UC systems; finally concluding that UCLA is far superior. Specifically I hope to illustrate the fact CSU’s (or maybe just SDSU) have more linear and highschool methods of teaching while the UC system is more “abstract” and hands-on when it comes to learning, and how this is ESSENTIAL for me. What do you think of this prompt? Do you think it’s a little far-fetched?</p>
<p>Also I am very worried about the transferability of my courses being from a CSU. I know this is a make or break. Because sdsu has no articulation with ucla, i will have to review the syllabuses for each class!! After doing all that work, do you think it is likely that they will accept the courses?</p>
<p>^It is very unlikely. Even between UC’s, courses articulate very poorly and nursing is not one of those majors where one flaw is okay. It only takes one class to cut you from the running. It doesn’t matter where you go for your nursing B.S. tbh. Go to UCLA for the masters degree if you so desire.</p>
I won’t venture an opinion since I don’t know. However there are paid services that will help you develop and refine essays. Mssun, a frequent poster on these forums, is one such provider. They aren’t cheap, but if its something your family can afford you might want to consider it.
This leads into a story which may or may not apply. I knew someone who transferred from a CSU to a UC in engineering. Same concerns. This being back in the day, his sophomore year at the CSU he bought a copy of the General Catalog which listed a description of every undergrad class taught. He then made appointments in the engineering depts of the UCs where he wanted to apply. I think he made them with assistant deans of some sort. He did his homework, looking thru each UC campus at the requirements and finding courses that he thought would satisfy them at his school. At each meeting he brought his current transcript and scores, plus that catalog, and asked their advice of what he should take to best prepare and showing what he had worked out. As it turns out the deans he spoke with had a good deal of influence in deciding who got admitted, so a subtext of the meetings was to turn himself into more than just another anonymous applicant. He ended up getting into 2 of the 3 schools. Did the personal contact influence the choice? he’ll never know, but I’d bet it didn’t hurt. And he made sure he took the right classes!</p>
<p>So you might want to think about whether you could do something like this. I’d start with going to the public meeting and getting all the info you can there. You have more access than most, if your sister is already in the program. She can talk to her instructors or advisor and find out how the xfer decisions are made, which could tell you who you should try to talk to if you wanted to ask someone’s advice on what courses to take in the manner above.</p>
<p>^Thanks for your honesty. Luckily I am applying to a wide range of schools and came into this decision with a realistic approach, knowing that it may not be possible. However, my ambition still drives me to apply =D
Any other input is appreciated! , btw</p>
<p>mikemac thanks so much for your response, as I really do feel it parallels exactly with my situation as engineering is one of those “impacted” majors similar to nursing. The situation you described is very interesting and pretty much illustrates that nothing is ever black and white; you must find an opportunity.</p>
<p>I will defiently take your advice, as I should be going up to UCLA to visit my sister next week (: any other tips on the essay?</p>
When you go to the public info session, ask about how they weigh the factors in admission. My guess is that they primarily look for a certain amount of relevant experience in the field and overall GPA to make the 1st cut, GPA in specific math and science classes next, and then weigh in the other factors. Just a guess, though, so ask! </p>
<p>The point of this, though, is rather than concentrating your essay which may represent just a few hours of your time and may not be a huge factor (and is a non-factor if you don’t make the 1st cuts), you may be better off focusing on the things that take months and months of effort. By this I mean nursing-related jobs and volunteer work, and more importantly GPA. To make it crystal clear, I am just guessing at what weights they give various factors – but I suspect they care a lot about grades. And while a 3.5 or 3.6 is an admirable GPA, something like a 3.8 would be better. </p>
<p>To that end, you might want to see if they have a study skills center at SDSU where you can make sure you are using the time you spend most efficiently. There is a book I recommend called “What Smart Students Know” that is written by the cofounder of the Princeton Review Prep Service. And there is lots of info on the web; 1 link to get you started is [The</a> Art of Doing Well in Technical Courses](<a href=“http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/11/14/how-to-ace-calculus-the-art-of-doing-well-in-technical-courses]The”>How to Ace Calculus: The Art of Doing Well in Technical Courses - Cal Newport). On iTunesU they have lots of free courses you can download so you can get another take on the classes you have, often by some of the top profs in the country. And for classes like anatomy I know someone who took it and raved about a anatomy coloring book they got from amazon that really helped with studying.</p>
<p>^I understand your point and will definitely be going to an info session soon. And truthfully a 3.6 is not as strong as if could be. I will definitely take your advice. However, I feel it would be a waste to retake all the classes I got B+s to get As as I dont have a C on my transcript. I will be putting What smart students Know on my amazon wishlist(: Thanks for the tips.</p>
Of course. Not suggesting that! And anyway most colleges won’t count a new grade in a class you passed in calculating your GPA. But an upward trend is helpful, so anything you do to improve from here on out is a plus both at UCLA and other schools you apply to. </p>
<p>With your current GPA it sounds like you’re a good student, and with just a few tweaks here and there can raise your GPA and become an even stronger candidate. One other resource I forgot to mention are the “Problem Solver” guides, available for a lot of math and science classes as well as some others such as Econ. They are like SAT prep books but aimed at a specific subject. At only about $20 each they are easily worth 10x that in the help they can give! You go to the chapter matching what your class is studying and start working problems, then check your answer against the fully worked out solution in the book. Its almost like having a grad student in the room there to help you, and once you’re getting the problems right in practice the test will take care of itself.</p>
<p>All this takes time, of course, and plenty of it. Many students find themselves studying 6-10 hours outside of class each week for each math and science class; if your background has been weak or its something that just doesn’t click with you, maybe even more. Maybe you’re already investing that much time, but in case you aren’t its another avenue for you.</p>
<p>Mikemac I TRULY appreciate all the help. and i do understand what you are saying. Yes, i do study, but i do understand that there is much more i can be doing and am willing to do it. As for UCLA, I talked to a nursing advisor, and I figured out that I have 4 perquisites that I need to take…and will be in progress in the spring which she said is okay. She mainly said that they factor essays/experience a lot. IDK, that just means that i am going to have to take a *****load of classes, so I can fulfill both the UC and CSU requirements b/c i am applying all over. I’m really striving for all A’s this semester, however I am only taking 12 units right now…due to the science courses im taking.</p>