Are harder classes advantageous for transfers?

Transfer Students UC Transfers
1

I work 20 to 30 hours a week and I started at a low level math only about two semesters later when I started. I’m mostly older than everyone else too. I’m 28.

I will be applying this fall but by fall, I’ll be taking calculus and I won’t be able to take any crazy classes like astrophysics with calculus or things like that.

I am a business major so the school I want to transfer to (UCB) only requires me to take up to calculus 2.

Will it help if I’m able to take harder classes that have nothing to do with my majors?

I’m not the smartest student, I’m not a 4.0 student(3.77 is close enough but not top tier, 2nd tier at most)

But honestly, compared to university classes, some community college classes are a joke. I’m not being cocky but some classes the only reason I’m able to get an A is the standard and the difficulty is just so lenient.

Will it matter? I’m a business major but will it look good if I take classes like astrophysics with calculus as stated earlier?

As pre req in progress, I will be taking Calculus 2 in following spring after I apply in fall.

I’m just curious. I can’t devote all my time to take 17 or 19 units because I work and I pay rent and stuff.

I’m hoping they will buy my life story of helping my family with finances, growing up without a dad etc and being a blue collar worker for many years, not so much for my grades.

I mean if I get in, I’ll still be lucky because I’m not the smartest guy although I think some community classes are just too easy, not because I’m smart but because teachers make it so easy for a student with an average intelligence like me can get an A.

I go to SMC, the number one transfer school in the state of California.

2

I wish I can devote my time and don’t have to work so I can take 17 to 19 units per semester. I still took 15 units last semester, working 25 to 30 hours a week and managed a 4.0 but I think I was able to do it NOT because I’m smart but teachers make it easy for an average student like me to succeed in class. Although yes community colleges act as places to learn and acquire skills rather than test the abilities of students or work as a flunk operation.

3

I took a lab biology class, intermediate algebra, geometry, and english 1. I’m taking precalculus and I don’t think I will be able to juggle calculus in summer while working so I will take it next fall. But it will be my hardest class ever taken but it’s NOTHING compared to physics or other STEM classes. intermediate algebra was my first math class in 10 years.

4

Don’t be too frightened about Calculus I. If you’re okay with algebra then it’ll be a breeze, it’s definitely one of the easier stem classess. But do know that you’ll need to devote time to calc II.

5

I think it is commendable that you want to prepare yourself for the UCs.

You have the right attitude! Don’t overload yourself now (you’re working!).

You’ll be plenty overloaded when you transfer. So, make as much money as you can to help your family and then apply for grants at the UCs.

6

Thank you everyone but my question is “is it advantageous to take hard rocket science STEM classes that are irrelevant to my major pre reqs?” :confused:

7

@“aunt bea” Well I did that a long time ago, not now. I just have to worry about myself. But I’m just wondering if it’ll be advantageous for me to take classes like astrophysics which have nothing to do with my major. My concern is last semester, I had my first math class in 10 years and I won’t have much time to take rocket science classes to make my application look better. I’ll barely be completing calc 2 in spring.

8

@SDSU84 I’m not worried about math but I’m afraid that I won’t have enough time to take classes like astrophysics since I’ll be barely completing calculus 1 in fall. A lot of higher level stem classes require calc 1 and I won’t be able to take them until AFTER I apply. :frowning:

9

I don’t really think it’s all that advantageous. People get into Haas taking the easier calculus (business calc) instead of STEM calc, so I don’t see why taking astrophysics will really help all that much… not to mention if it is really difficult, you run the risk of not getting As and it pulling your GPA down, or you needing to put serious time into the difficult class that affects your grades in your other required classes.

To me, it just seems unnecessary with little (or at least, very unclear) payoff.

10

@briank82 you think so? I want to take advanced classes but my schedule won’t allow me. I will be finishing calc 2 by spring after applying so. :confused:

11

If your schedule doesn’t allow for advanced classes, then that pretty much answers your predicament, right?

But yes, I think so, in my uneducated opinion.

12

I will be able to take some classes in winter and spring that’s about it :confused: