<p>So I am starting to think a little about the UC app essays, and there are three questions. </p>
<p>I only want to answer the first question in full, and address something briefly in the third question. I have no interest to answer the second question at all, or maybe I would just merge it with the first one, since my transfering is strictly related to academic reasons. </p>
<p>So can I just write something like, "I am gonna answer the first two questions together", and skip the second question?</p>
<p>Ok isn't the 2nd question asking what you can contribute to the UC system? They don't want a bunch of idiots in the UC system - that's what the CSU system is for.</p>
<p>Totally joking. But really - I and the majority here would think that the 2nd question is pretty important.</p>
<p>Yeah I don't really remember the questions, but I suspect that a good answer to that one would be rather important.</p>
<p>But really, like I said, the essays for transfers are seriously formalities. They carry very little weight and if anything they're just there to make sure you can string a few words together and have some reading comprehension and that you can FOLLOW RULES. Which is why skipping one and being like, ha no way this totally doesn't apply to me would by a ginormous misstep and a fairly grave mistake.</p>
<p>If that's the question then it is HUGELY important and completely related to transferring. It doesn't matter if you're only transferring for academic reasons, admissions are holistic and who you are as a person matters. </p>
<p>It's not just about what they can give you. They place serious emphasis on what you can give back to the school (in both short and long term), whether it be leadership, money, notoriety, whatever.</p>
<p>"I know how to cooperatively work with people of diverse background. In UC, I plan on participating in various leadership program (it would be better if you tell them specifically which club/program you'll join cuz it shows that you've done your research and that you are really interested in the school) to utilize my leadership quality to make UC more academically and socially worthwhile."</p>
<p>The reason I think that question is stupid is because what I offer is mostly my intellectualism, which is reflected in my course work more than anything else on my application. My reason for transfering is purely academic as well, it has little to do with other non-academic reasons. </p>
<p>I remember answering questions like that when I applied as a HS senior, and I know most people write complete BS answers like, "i'll bring leadership, I'll bring diversity." It is retarded, 99% of the students wont be bringing much other than their asses.</p>
<p>It is, but like everything else, admissions is a game. Play it well and you'll succeed, screw around and resist and whatever and you'll probably just **** them off. </p>
<p>So suck it up, bs 200 words, and get into school.</p>
<p>dhl3, problem is, I haven't joined that many clubs, except for the debate team (that's only because you never get to speak in class at the UC's). </p>
<p>I think clubs are for the most part a waste of time. I am just a nerd, but I am really really smart, is that gonna fly? **** EC's, they are stupid.</p>
<p>They're not necessarily stupid if you want a job. I NEVER would have gotten my paid internship (which is already promising me fulltime work upon graduation) without my ECs. NEVER. </p>
<p>So yknow. </p>
<p>I'm not talking about joining some anime club or whatever, but there are some serious and legitimate ECs that are actually really beneficial. </p>
<p>Regardless, I'm sure you'll find something to write about.</p>
<p>Subjecttochange, that is funny that you mention question number two. During the transfer information session at UCB they said they really didn't like that question and if it was up to them they would take it out. Since it is still there you should answer it though.</p>
<p>Just a quick side note to the stupidity and pointlessness of the essay questions: Thousands of people apply to the UC system every year, and a majority of them with an outstanding academic record. If you were a adcom and had to choose 1000 students out of 3000 students for example, how would you decide which to choose? The coolness of their name, or where they live? NO. Thats what the essays and EC's are for. To differentiate one excellent student from another. The essays have LARGE weight on their decisions or they wouldnt waste countless hours reading them... Dont get me wrong, they dont spend half an hour reading each essay but your 1000 words will let them know what kind of person they are admitting to their institution. </p>
<p>Sweetny, how was the xfer info session? Same stuff: get your requirements done, finaid, etc. that stuff or was it helpful??</p>
<p>
[quote]
Thousands of people apply to the UC system every year, and a majority of them with an outstanding academic record."
[/quote]
</p>
<p>This may be true for freshman applicants, but for transfer applicants, I'd have to disagree. There are actually very few candidates with GPA above 3.8. The majority are between 3.3 and 3.7 range, im sorry but i dont really consider that an "outstanding academic record". It's good, but not outstanding.</p>
<p>Having said this, essay wont raelly maatter much for students with stellar GPAs (3.8+), so they are almsot guaranteed in (unless their essays were 300 words long COMBINED). And for students in TAP with less impacted major, it is safe to say that they are guaranteed in.</p>
<p>I'd say essays only important for those with less stellar GPAs (below 3.6), who are bound to be the borderline candidates.</p>
<p>XFERSTD, It was mainly the normal stuff except for the little things like what I mentioned. They did have transfer students speak at it. I stayed after and spoke to the guy that was from Haas. He was really nice and gave me some pointers. That is where I found out that you should have your requirements finished by the time you apply. They did take down the names of everyone that attended but I am not sure that they use that for anything.</p>
<p>Essays do not carry a great deal of weight for transfer decisions. The absolute most important things transfers need to worry about are A- GPA, and B- course completion. Everything else after that is extra, essays included. Most transfer administrators/counselors/whatever (at the UCs- CC counselors don't count) will tell you that while your essay may help you, it won't hurt you. Obviously it's advisable to write a decent essay, but if its slightly subpar it won't hold you back.</p>
<p>However, not completing one of the essays would hold one back because the application wouldn't be complete. </p>
<p>Transfer admissions are all about numbers. Words are secondary.</p>