Applying to a UC after high school graduation without community college?

State Forums
1

<p>Hello CCers,</p>

<p>I graduated high school without really putting to much effort (3.4 GPA) and as a result I didn't apply to colleges or take my SAT/ACT during those years. I now regret doing that, and am at a community college for my second semester. I'm currently at a 4.0 GPA, but I really don't think I can do this for another 2-3 years. What are my options? Can I take my SAT/ACT now, and apply as a freshman rather than a transfer to a UC? I was researching and I know that some privates like USC will let you apply after 30 credit hours, but even if I did apply, I wouldn't be able to afford the cost. I am a Californian resident, and in-state tuition at a public college will be my best bet. What are my options? Please help, your input is greatly appreciated.</p>

2

<p>Few, if any, UCs will entertain transfer applicants with less than 60 semester units. The same is true for the impacted CSUs. Some CSUs, like Monterey, will accept transfers w/o 60 units and are probably your only option if you want out of the CC now.</p>

<p>I’d suggest you stay put though. If you’ve been a full time student you’ve got a year to go. Take as many classes as you can, get a TAG for the UC you are interested in.</p>

3

<p>Can I apply as a freshman rather than a transfer from CC? I don’t mind what UC I go to.</p>

4

<p>

</p>

<p>You are not eligible to apply as a freshman. From the UC admissions website:

[Transfer</a> | UC Admissions](<a href=“http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/transfer/index.html]Transfer”>http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/transfer/index.html)</p>

<p>And to anticipate your next question, no, you cannot lie on the application and say you did not attend a community college. All transcripts must be submitted. Yes, they will find out because they use the [National</a> Student Clearinghouse](<a href=“http://www.studentclearinghouse.org/]National”>http://www.studentclearinghouse.org/) to check past enrollments. </p>

<p>I agree with NCalRent - stay put and get your 60 units at a CC and then transfer.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

5

<p>

There is no minimum number of units required to apply as a transfer to USC.

[Transfer</a> Students - USC Undergraduate Admission](<a href=“http://www.usc.edu/admission/undergraduate/apply/transfer.html]Transfer”>http://www.usc.edu/admission/undergraduate/apply/transfer.html)

Run the net price calculator here [USC</a> Financial Aid - Planning for USC](<a href=“http://www.usc.edu/admission/fa/applying_receiving/undergraduates1/netpricecalculator.html]USC”>http://www.usc.edu/admission/fa/applying_receiving/undergraduates1/netpricecalculator.html) to get a rough estimate of how much aid you can expect. If it is significantly out of your price range then, as you say, applying would not make sense.</p>

6

<p>No, once you’ve graduated high school and taken courses at a CC, you are considered as a transfer. </p>

<p>As a freshman applicant with a 3.4, you’d probably not have been admitted to any UC. </p>

<p>As a Jr transfer with 60 units and a 4.0, you’d be seriously considered by all of them. </p>

<p>I know you don’t want to hear it but, your best bet is to stay the course and TAG into a UC as a Jr.</p>

<p>Take some summer classes and get the 60 units fast.</p>