major: mechanical engineering (maybe chemical engineering, not sure yet)
In-state: Yes [so transferring from a CA CC]
IGETC: no
major prep: calculus 1-3, linear algebra, diff eq, all physics series, all general chemistry (1 and 2), matlab programming
EC: various clubs (math, chemistry, stem, beach volleyball, 2020 a year without war)
…volunteer: in some of the clubs above, math tutor when in high school, built houses in 3rd world country
GPA: 3.41 or 3.51 if it all goes well Fall '15 semester
My essay should be good
Planning on applying to UCSD, UCSB, UCI, CSULB, SJSU, ASU
Are my EC good? Do you guys think I have a chance? would my chances be higher for ME or CHE and why?
I am sorry to say, it is very unlikely you’ll be admitted with a 3.4-3.5.
^What? For a freshman that would be true, but I think a 3.5 transfer GPA is still competitive enough to call UCSD a low reach. The average transfer GPA last year was 3.61, so it won’t be easy, but I think @NCalRent was a little brutal there. Do you hold leadership positions in your extracurriculars?
IIRC, major choice doesn’t affect admission to UCSD as a whole, only admission to that major. Both majors are impacted, though, so I can’t really estimate your chances of getting either one.
@groverrohan my response was specific to UCSD, perhaps I should have elaborated. The OP notes his current GPA will rise to between 3.4 and 3.5 if all goes well this semester. He will have submit his ap with the grades he has now - say 3.3 to give him the benefit of the doubt. As you note, avg transfer GPA last year was 3.61. The acceptance rate for transfer applicants in the 3.2-3.59 GPA was just 36% last year. Since he’s on the lower side of that band, I’d guess his chances are worse than 1 in 4. In my book, i think that’s pretty unlikely.
Use this tool to see for yourself
http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/infocenter/transfer-admissions-summary
The OP notes in another forum that he’s not TAG eligible for UCI or UCSB due to his current GPA - I don’t think he’ll make in in at either.
I think the OP has a solid shot at SJSU and ASU. Long Beach, probably particularly if he is local - but without his actual GPA I can’t say. TAGing UCR or UCSC (if elibligle) would be a good idea