Hi people,
I am international student I had graduated from high school last June 2015. I am planning to start studying in a CC fall 2015 then transfer to UC system specially UCLA system into the engineering department. I am really afraid, I am feeling lost I really need to learn from your successful experience in transferring into UC system after finishing the first two years in a CC or less. I have some question I wish to find an answers from your successful experience please.
-How long should I study in CC then to transfer to UC system ?
-How many years totally to get the bachelor degree ?
-It is safe area to live in ? Near the SMC or IVC ?
-Which college is the best IVC or SMC ? Specially if I want to transfer into
UC system “UCLA” or USC ?
Your response would be more than appreciated.
Many thanks.
As long as you need to complete all the pre-reqs, using assist.org. I’ve known some people who only stayed a year, others between 2-5. Most engineering people I know stayed at least 2, generally 2-3. There is really no rush.
Depends on many different things, such as type of major, how many years at CC, availability of classes, taking time off, etc. Many people complete it in 4-5 years, some longer.
I went to SMC, and have visited IVC (which I"m assuming is Irvine Valley). Both are pretty safe, but the Irvine area is much nicer/safer. Have you visited both areas/campuses?
I’m not really sure why UCLA is in quotation marks…
Anyways, if you want to go to UCLA, there really isn’t a better choice than SMC. Have you looked at how many pre reqs SMC and IVC offer? That might help you make your decision (hint: go to the CC with more offered). Since you are going into engineering, you don’t really need to worry about TAP programs or anything like that. Regarding USC, I’m not entirely sure which is better.
What is your country of origin? You will learn about the transfer process at the CC that you attend. Engineering can take 2-3 years. Do you have the funds to carry you through four years? CC could be at least $25K annually according to NPC. UCs and USC may be upwards of $60K a year. Both estimates include housing costs.
Sorry - to clarify, taking classes at CC to meet engineering prerequisites will take 2-3 years. After transferring, it should be at least 2 more years to attain your BS.
UCLA Engineering is not easy to get into. You will have to work hard, and get very good grades, BUT it is doable! There are many, many people who transfer successfully.
The average GPA for admits in UCLA’s Engineering Department was a 3.87, and the admit rate was 13.11%. But, there are many people who apply without completing all of their major’s prerequisites, and other requirements. If you complete all that is required (check articulation agreements on assist.org for that), you will have higher chances. Just try to get very high grades, and make sure you complete all of your requirements. Then, you should be golden. Many engineering majors take 3 years at a community college, simply because they have many requirements that they must fulfill.
It’s totally doable. Good luck!
LA is generally a safe place to live, however it is very difficult to tell if an area is safe if you are not familiar with the city. Unlike other large cities, organized crime is not confined to particular areas. I recommend going to CityData. That is a very good resource and the people on the forums are very helpful. IVC is in a much safer area.