Hello guys, recently I have finished my first semester at Santa Monica College(SMC). I finished taking 2 courses that are part of the required transfer courses at UCLA: English composition & Introduction to computer science. However I ended up in bad terms, by receiving my first C in introduction to computer science, and not so bad with English as I got a B. The problem is that my major is computer science and the class I took is a preparatory class. My question is, how impactful can it be if I’m planning to transfer to UCLA with a computer science major? I have experience in programming so that can aid me in future programming courses required for the transfer; can I still get away with that C however?
Thanks in advance.
The UC Transfer GPA admit range for CS (2016) was 3.81-4.00. If that is your only C and you can get all A’s, your next 3 semesters, you should have a shot at UCLA. Make sure you apply widely since there are no guarantees.
https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/infocenter/transfers-major
@Gumbymom Well since I just started, it’s approximated that I will transfer within 2-3 years, which means I can afford obtaining B’s, right? Also, SMC has a STEM program that is connected with UCLA called ,Science & Research initiative (SRI). So students aiming towards STEM careers can participate in a research program with the university. Can participating in the SRI really help my case also?
Though SRI definitely helps in the extracurricular activities portion of your application, it won’t influence admissions officers the way you may think. The program’s relation to UCLA won’t really help your case.
That being said, I highly encourage you to to get all A’s. Assuming 3.81-4.00 is the average, a little bit of arithmetic states that:
3.81 + 4.00 = 7.81 / 2 = 3.905
This means that the dead average for UCLA is a 3.9.
Realistically, if you want to reach UCLA’s average GPA bracket, you’re going to have to change your study habits. B’s and C’s aren’t really an option.
Changing your study habits is not impossible, nor it is uncommon. The thing is with changing your habits though, they require overwhelming discipline.
@TransferStalker Man, I really did put a lot of pressure on me, but nonetheless, I will change my study habits. Thanks.
@Carlos0 Don’t worry, the recipe for great study habits is pretty simple! Time management, setting your goals, and of course, discipline! Anyone can do it!
Best of luck!
Which CS class was it that you took?
@alicantekid I took CS3, introduction to computer systems.
That C in CS 3 isn’t part of the major prep.
The courses that matter (at SMC) for GPA purposes are:
Math 7, 8, 11, 13, 15
Physics 21, 22, 23
CS 52
If you have around a 3.9 in those classes, then you have a shot. Because it’s so competitive, sometimes even one B in the prep will really hurt your chances, and often a C in the major prep pretty much makes it mathematically improbable to get in.
You still need to take the two required English classes (Engl 1 and either 2 or 31) and at least one GE in the social sciences, arts, or humanities to meet the 7-course pattern. But the GPA that matters are in the Math, Physics, and CS courses listed above.
@alicantekid Man, you don’t know what stress you just relieved me. I was thinking that since that class has transferable credit, and taking into consideration that it is a preparatory class, it was going to make an impact to my transfer GPA. As far as the English goes, I took English 1 this summer and ended up with a B and plan to take English 2 the upcoming year, but I will make sure to put more effort into the major prep classes. Thanks.