Ask a Sociology Transfer: The REAL UC

Transfer Students UC Transfers
1

<p>NOVEMBER IS ALMOST HERE!</p>

<p>This is the time when prospective UC Transfers are continually working their (A+)SSES OFF to pull out those grades that begin with the letter 'A', because getting a 'B' is OBVIOUS signs of pure laziness, disastrous work ethic, and just won't do! EXCEPT, <em>thinking pensively</em> that actually isn't the case at all. Yes, the application is around the corner, but stop worrying over extracurricular activities, being a part of the Honors Club, maybe even only being able to speak ONE language (SAY WHAT!), or more importantly, the end result of semesters that have yet to even BEGIN, because you will be accepted...and will definitely miss the life of a CCC student (say AU REVOIR to Friday-inclusive WEEKENDS!). </p>

<p>However, I digress. I would love to take the time to continue writing an inspirational preface of what is to come after the first semester/quarter at the University of California, but I REFUSE to take time away from those in dire need of questions to be answered with a more personal flare.</p>

<p>For those who feel they can relate, ASK AWAY! I too was in your shoes, and have felt the anxious feelings that are or at least WILL BE running thru your UC-bound minds.</p>

<p>P.S. Transferring to Irvine? Bring your medical gear. UCR maybe? I've lived in Riverside and it's a pretty cool place. Headed towards UCLA? Bring your brains AND beauty. Going to Davis? Bring your bike. Santa Cruz...IS BEAUTIFUL! What about Santa Barbara? THEY'RE BEAUTIFUL! As for San Diego...they wait listed me, so enough said. Awww...and how can we forget about our UC Baby Merced, so youthful and driven. I actually met a girl from Merced once...she said they have shirts dedicated to the questionable interest in cow-tipping. Go figure. As for me, I'm a Golden Bear. </p>

<p>Should I be your primary resource for everything CAL? </p>

<p>Probably not. </p>

<p>Would I like to be your primary resource for everything pertaining to my life in CAL? </p>

<p>Yes.</p>

2

<p>Sik proze Rob, I like it. </p>

<p>Aside from Friday-inclusive weekends, is there anything else you miss from your junior college days? Do you reckon it’s easy to lose that personal vibe you can always get with CCC professors? See when some university professors openly pride themselves in not teaching at the undergraduate level, it makes me wonder how much my relationships with professors will change. They can’t get to know everyone, I get it…</p>

<p>Seems like all the real action happens in Irvine. I’ll be looking into that school.</p>

3

<p>@ohitsrob</p>

<p>What were your stats when you applied? Thanks!</p>

4

<p>@Salmos</p>

<p>Without further ado, I present to you my momentarily trite response: Junior college was, at least for me, nothing more than a list or requirements (IGETC) that I needed to fulfill in order to move on to bigger & better things. People claim that it’s hard to meet anyone in a place where everyone comes when class starts & BOOKS IT back home when the professors are finished speaking. However, I was one of the handful of students who chose to participate in actual student clubs/organizations while I was going to spend a couple of years there anyway. The difference in Berkeley & Junior College is a BIG one though…</p>

<p>First off, the UC system is renown for their research, so having GSIs (Readers) in place of actual professors, isn’t uncommon. For example, my Sociology professor for my TTH lecture actually only lectures on Tuesdays, every Thursday is spent listening to a GSI essentially reiterate Tuesdays lecture in a more informal manner. I wouldn’t say professors “pride” themselves on their research, but it is quite obvious that teaching isn’t exactly first on their To-do list. Trust me, once you’ve gotten used to this reoccurring pattern, you won’t be too bothered by it. Also, there are discussion sections for most lectures, so you’ll probably be spending a few more hours in class each week (UGH!).</p>

<p>As for personal/impersonal vibes, prepare yourself. Because of budget cuts, there are more classes with 150+ students enrolled (i.e. ECON 101 has a limit of 800! WHO’S MANAGING THIS!). Of course, the aforementioned example is one on the more extreme side of the spectrum. In short, classes are big. WAY BIGGER than what you may be used to. So be the student who stands out (it’s infinitely easier when your professor comes rushing up the isle in a desperate attempt to hand you a microphone). Oh, and yes, there are microphones. Go to office hours if you really want to meet the person who is teaching you, they appreciate the time spent with naturally inquisitive students!</p>

<p>If you’re good at building and maintaining relationships with your professors now, then NO WORRIES! It’s possible…just takes a little more effort.</p>

<p>@joxygirl</p>

<p>GPA: 3.8
Major: Sociology
Applied: CAL, UCLA, SD, Davis, SB, & SC
Accepted: All…but wait-listed for San Diego
EC: AGS Honor Society, AYSO Coach, and English Tutor</p>

<p>Am I missing anything?? I realize I mentioned not worrying about being a part of the Honors Society in my first post, but really, it isn’t a huge time commitment and is something people should be proud of joining for no reason other than because they worked hard to be in. EMBRACE IT! As for my other “extracurriculars” – I’ve been an AYSO Coach for years and my English professor was actually the one who referred me to the English Tutor position. To clarify, what I should have said was that the Admissions Officers are interested in quality over quantity. You don’t need to be the president of every club, they just want to see that you put your heart in what was meaningful to YOU.</p>

5

<p>@ohitsrob</p>

<p>That’s funny because I also have a 3.8 GPA and am applying to UCB, UCLA, UCD, and submitted a TAG for UCSD. Why do you think you were put on the waitlist for UCSD? And did you have all of your pre-reqs completed by the Spring before transfer for UCLA? I know pre-reqs are cruicial to UCLA. How was the transition to CAL academically? Thanks for answering my questions!</p>

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<p>ohitsrob, have you met any UC to UC transfers or is it really as rare as it seems by admit profiles?</p>

<p>I’m applying to UCB Econ this fall with a 3.84, hopefully 3.91 by the end of the quarter, major pre-reqs done, UC to UC reciprocity by the end of winter quarter, might go into spring quarter, but definitely done before summer. To the extent of knowledge UC to UC reciprocity is equivalent to satisfying IGETC or College of L&S requirements.</p>

<p>What do you think my chances are? Thoughts? Advice? Anything would be appreciated, I’m honestly just avoiding my Film hw right now :D</p>

7

<p>@joxygirl</p>

<p>Congrats on the awesome GPA! I actually only had Stats & Sociology 101 done by the time I submitted my application (there was no Soc 5 equivalent at my CC). Yeah, I had heard every story there was to hear about pre-reqs and how UCLA & Berkeley were among the more demanding schools who were strict on having them completed, but I had no control over the last pre-req; I initially wanted to apply as Psychology…until I read about Psych 101 here at Berkeley.<br>
-_______- One stats class was ENOUGH! </p>

<p>Ah, the academic transition. The workload is heavier, but definitely manageable. Needless to say, students here are still your average kids. They sleep (5x a day!), they all know the importance of (skim) reading, may not always know the answer to every question a professor asks, and yet, retain a social life while doing so (PARTY HARD!..every. single. weekend.) Although the intellectual level here is, dare I say, above average. Berkeley truly is one of the most diverse places around. On a slightly more off topic note! The food here is, as my friend would say: “bomb.com” … you cannot go wrong in the “Asian Ghetto,” YELP IT! :] </p>

<p>As for UCSD, BEATS ME! I’ve heard something about them processing applications on a first-come, first-serve basis, but honestly, they were the last to inform me of their decision…I kind of shrugged everything off after UCLA & Cal. They’re all great schools though! I just never really questioned it.</p>

<p>Hopefully that was an adequate answer! :)</p>

<p>@Maninder</p>

<p>YES! 1! Apologies for the less than ideal amount, but i’m positive there are more hidden amongst the crowd. :slight_smile: However, this one may interest you. She’s a Psych major from UCSC and pretty cool girl. Had a 3.6-ish GPA, too. I’ve never actually chanced anyone before, so let’s give it a shot. I don’t know much about UC to UC reciprocity, but your GPA is definitely a competitive one. As for Econ, my friend’s an Econ major and he’s one of the few who haven’t gone AWOL over their last exam…since he got an 80 with a class average of 36. FT(heir)L.</p>

<p>Great minds must think alike, because without College Confidential…I might actually have to start my readings. </p>

<p>Done. ALREADY!? </p>

<p>S#it.</p>

8

<p>@ohitsrob</p>

<p>Thanks for that thorough answer! Very helpful! I bet your personal statements were the bomb.com! I’ll have all my Sociology pre-reqs done by Spring 2012 for all schools I’m applying to except UCLA. . . I really don’t know what to think of that. lol. But my #1 choice is Berkeley. Hopefully I’ll be a good candidate for them. I’ll also have my IGETC done as well as more than 60 units completed after Spring 2012. Do you think I have a good chance for Berkeley? And would you happen to know what was the average accepted GPA for Sociology? Thank you sooo much for helping me! you have no idea how helpful you guys are. : )</p>

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<p>@joxygirl</p>

<p>Thank you :slight_smile: I like to think that my personal statements were exactly that – just personal. I’m assuming you’re referring to the Calculus requirement for UCLA, right? Knowing the feeling of having been in your same situation, I can assure you that it is nothing more than another bump in the road. Personally, I enjoyed Calculus. Did it, got my grade, and never looked back! Are you a Sociology major?? You would LOVE IT HERE! Quite literally actually, because I know I do. On behalf of the Sociology department, I should note (like they ALL do) that Berkeley’s Sociology program is often seen as #1! Feel free to take that statement with a grain of salt, but it is nice to hear. :)</p>

<p>As for being a competitive applicant, I think everyone has an equal chance of being accepted into Berkeley (within reason of course). I’m actually a member of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions Ambassadors and have spoken with a few of the Admissions Officers myself. Keep in mind that they are only people too! Looking through thousands upon thousands of application, know that they are not looking for anything specifically, but merely students who are comfortable with who they are and have the confidence to be unique and let their individuality shine. Unfortunately, Cal isn’t AS specific with their “Transfer Student Profiles” :confused: CHECK OUT: <a href=“http://students.berkeley.edu/admissions/transfer.asp[/url]”>http://students.berkeley.edu/admissions/transfer.asp&lt;/a&gt; !!! </p>

<p>This is the most recent data that can be found for the Fall 2011 applicants. :)</p>

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<p>@ohitsrob</p>

<p>Yes! I’m declaring Sociology. Wait, what school do you go to? UCLA or CAL?</p>

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<p>@joxygirl</p>

<p>I go to Cal. :slight_smile: You’re gonna love the Sociology courses & faculty here.</p>

12

<p>@ohitsrob</p>

<p>Ahhh! That’s IF I GET IN! :slight_smile: It’s my first choice and I’m from the Bay. . . I love Berkeley. I forgot to mention, and I’m not sure if this has an impact on my chances. But for my 1st year of college I attended a CSU. So now (my 2nd year), I’m at a Community College. I’m still competitive right?</p>

13

<p>@joxygirl</p>

<p>Keep up the GPA & make your application a competitive one – both academically and within your community, family, etc. Demonstrate an interest in your major. You may even have some “honorable” things worth mentioning, without even realizing it! Officers take on a more holistic approach to looking over your application; Therefore, WILL take your life situations into account when making a decision. </p>

<p>Unfortunately, most programs will not offer admission to students with excess units (i.e. more than 80 UC-transferable semester units before enrollment). FORTUNATELY, you are definitely not the first to have been enrolled in a 4-year university prior to enrolling in a CCC. If you were only there a year, you should be fine! A student who has completed 80 or fewer UC-transferable semester units at a 4-year university and then transfers to a community college, will not accrue excess units and will be considered for admission. :)</p>

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<p>Just thought I’d drop in :)</p>

<p>My first few weeks at UCD have been pretty good. I jokingly say that because I don’t share an apartment with a bunch of other students it sorta feels like community college…</p>

<p>well… minus parking. I have a much longer walk from my car to class. XD</p>

<p>That’s really not the case though. The teachers are nicer and there are (as you’d imagine) all kinds of resources to get help from. Geez! </p>

<p>My classes have between (if I had to guess) 80 and 180 students. I have a Physics lab with about 15 people and our lab TA is awesome. However, after my last crazy semester of community college this actually feels… relaxing?. </p>

<p>It’s nowhere near as hard as I thought it’d be. At least at the moment I’m going to say it was 90% as hard as my last semester at CC was, maybe 80%.</p>

15

<p>@ohitsrob</p>

<p>Yes! Thank you again! I only completed 30 units at my CSU so I’ll be fine. Wish me luck! Please Berkeley. . . save me a spot! :)</p>

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<p>Since Slciology isn’t impacted at UCSD, would a 3.35 be a good GPA to get in?</p>

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<p>@joxygirl</p>

<p>YOU’LL BE FINE! Berkeley is definitely going to be saving seats for the hard-working students! Also, don’t hesitate to write any posts for future questions or concerns, because I know I used College Confidential RELIGIOUSLY when I was going through the Transfer process. lol</p>

<p>@HoolzPreMed</p>

<p>Because most UC’s are now using a more holistic method of reviewing applications, it’s difficult to give a solid answer to your question. Basing everything off of only your GPA, a 3.35 is relatively low in the applicant pool (a 3.0 is the minimum). However, Admissions Officers are looking at the applicant as a WHOLE, so GPA is nothing more than one other factor in their decision. Fortunately, the revised 2012 UC Application now has two (optional) “additional comments” boxes; one is made specifically for students to explain any academic discrepancies they may have. Admission to any UC is, of course, going to always be on a case-by-case basis, so don’t worry too much about it. Instead, work to strengthen your application into one you will be proud of submitting. :)</p>

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<p>Awesome :slight_smile: thanks for the advice! I also have heard that UC’s are using the same numbers as last year. You know…non-impacted majors with 3.2 and above with no tag got in and impacted majors with 3.8+ without tag were admitted. I hope since my major isn’t impacted, I have a good shot at UCSD and I have my Pre-Reqs done :)</p>

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<p>I remember hearing different stories on how UCSD works on their admissions as well. From experience, I must ASK you not to rely too heavily on hearsay. lol I joke about it, because as a fellow Sociology major who applied to San Diego with a 3.8 GPA…I got wait-listed as a result. If there is one thing the UC’s use annually, it is their reviewing method & [Welcome</a> to ASSIST](<a href=“http://www.assist.org%5DWelcome”>http://www.assist.org) – Yes, they use this too as a reference for seeing how far along a student has gotten in their intended major. :)</p>

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<p>Agree with that too! Hmm it was so weird last year. People with 3.7, 3.8+ were rejected from SD even when their major wasn’t impacted! I wonder if UCSD has connections with other UCs like Berkeley and UCLA. Makes you wonder…</p>