Im currently at Mt. San Antonio community college in California attending my second year. Im planning to transfer this fall as a Computer science major to UCLA, UCI and UCSD. I have finished all the math classes and now trying to finish physics and programming classes. Im also in the honors program, so I am taking GE honors classes (since my major classes do not offer honors). My GPA is around 3.92 at the moment, and im planning to raise is a bit higher.
Thing is, I am working part time (around 16-20 hours a week) plus taking full unit at school. I have next to none extra curricular activities under my belt for my freshman year. Sure I was in some clubs but I doubt they mean much. I was however fairly more active in high school but idk if that still counts. It is just that I cannot find the time to actually do the ECs. Do they really matter that much if I keep my grades up and essays good?
What are my chances? (Sorry about the long post haha)
If you’re working then that usually explains/“excuses” why you don’t have many ECs. You can put some HS ECs on the app.
UCLA has a very low acceptance rate for CS. You would have a better chance of acceptance at UCI and UCSD.
Yep, your work is your EC and the colleges respect that.
UCLA will be tough because the competition is intense.
Yeah i heard it is tough as hell…which is why im doing a backup major as mathematics of computing.
One more question. Should i quit my job and look for volunteer/internship opportunities? I work at a hotel as a front desk agent so it has nothing to do with my major. that’s why idk if i should go join a community organization? My school also has orgs like PKT AGS and circle K. Plus i just got an offering for a job on campus as a mentor/guide to autistic and learning disabled students.
You may want to find something more applicable to math and/or computer science, either as a job, EC, or volunteer/internship. Maybe the hotel has other positions available, or perhaps your potential work as a mentor may include math/computer science tutoring?
UCLA: https://www.admission.ucla.edu/prospect/adm_tr/Tr_Prof.htm