<p>Hi everyone. Usually I come on here and compare myself to other people but this once, I'd like to get some original opinions. So here goes...</p>
<p>I am aiming to transfer to UCLA</p>
<p>GPA: 3.49 (I had a 3.7 until I failed Statistics due to some extraneous circumstances I explained in my application but I am retaking that in the Spring and plan on getting that 3.7 back)
Major: American Literature and Culture (within the English department with a 3.47 average admitted GPA and only 34 people applied in 2009)
IGETC: Will be completed in the Spring
TAP: nope :/
Major pre-req: may be missing one literature class
Personal statement: 8 or 9/10
ECs: a magazine internship, a newspaper internship, film production assistant at UCLA's film school, volunteer work at soup kitchen, freelance work, volunteer at museum
60 units will be done by spring</p>
<p>The problem is, I'm not sure if I am in-state or not. I am registered to vote in California, I have lived in California since 2003 except when I left for 6 months and graduated at a high school in Guam (my dad is in the military). I moved back for CC at SMC in 2008 and have an address here (leasing under my name). I'm getting a CA state ID within the next week. I've had a job here and have paid taxes. The only problem is that my Dad doesn't live here. I have a stepmom in CA that I lived with for 10 years but I don't live with her now. I am just scared that I might be out of state (because I am not financially independent and I am 19 years old) and this will count even more against me than my GPA or the fact that I failed statistics :[ I'm wondering if the little details even matter (that I lived here for 6 years with my legal guardian, etc. or that I have had a job here or the details of my living situation) or if they will just look at me as out of state and most likely reject me. I'm mostly concerned about UCLA. I also applied to SB and SD, but LA is my main concern at the moment (for a variety of reasons).</p>
<p>I'm sorry if this is ridiculously confusing but I hope someone can help me. I'm thinking of calling a counselor at UCLA and asking them. I had assumed I would be considered in-state, but I did some research and have found out otherwise :[[[</p>
<p>I need some hope, but I will appreciate a realistic assessment of this situation.</p>
<p>@lakerss
My class was from 5-6:20 and I ended up having to take care of my little sister after the withdrawal period had ended. After that, you could only drop if you had a C or higher in the class and I had a D. Still I had a few more tests and I could have gotten a B if I had stayed (because of the grading curve). I know it looks awful but i"ve been studying stats since then so when I take it during the Spring I’ll get an A or B. Regardless, my out-of-state situation is so weird and confusing, but I wonder if I should talk to someone in the admissions office about it.</p>
<p>@lakerforever 24
Am Lit and Culture is basically in the English Department. I applied for that because the courses are basically the same, but it’s considerably less competitive (in comparison to the English major). The admit rate is 70% or something. </p>
<p>I’m beginning to sound like one of those people with scary concerns that I never wanted to be.</p>
<p>I can only give you my “rough” opinion since I am an engieering major and not too familiar with other majors. However, from what I’ve heard from reliable places, you should have a fairly good shot (with reference to your gpa only). The College of Letters and Science (unlike the College of Engineering), places a much greater emphasis on things like ECs. From where I’m standing, your ECs look pretty good to me, but then again, I’m no expert in these things.</p>
<p>Second:</p>
<p>Here’s what I’m definitely 100% certain about: As far as being considered in-state or out-of-state, ALL PEOPLE who attended community college in california (for their entire post secondary education) are considered residents (or in-state) FOR ADMISSIONS PURPOSES. I read this a few days back at the UC website, and then was confirmed by a UC rep. I was surprised to read there that even international students who continously attend CCC are considered residents for this purpose!!! So, for admission, you will be evaluated just like all other CCC students </p>
<p>Now, for TUITION AND FEES purposes, they are extremely strict on who they consider in-state and out-of-state. Not only do you have to prove (by various methods) that you’ve lived and worked in CA, but you also have to prove something they call “intent” which is a very gray area.</p>
<p>that is SUCH a relief. My dad (who has been in the military for 20 years) will be using the GI bill to pay for my tuition (the bill covers up to the in-state cost for school) so I was checking out the residency requirements “for tuition purposes” and discovered I am not in-state. BUT I didn’t think to look at residency for admissions purposes. As long as I have the same chances as every other california resident, I am happy. </p>
<p>:] I cannot thank you enough for your help!!! I owe you big time for saving me from hypertension.</p>
<p>EC’s aren’t really that important to the college of L&S; however, it does seem, based on your GPA, that EC’s will help you a lot. If the stats you provided are accurate, and I’m sure they are, I think you have a great shot at it.</p>
<p>(this is just to give you an idea of what I mean by great shot) 78-88% chance (based on my intution. 0 math)</p>
<p>I have to be honest and give you a realistic assessment: Despite the great admit rate and EC’s and everything, recent grade trends are also pretty important. Failing a class in your most recent semester is what the universities will be very aware…and wary of. If you explained this pretty well in your personal statements, I’d say that you have an okay shot - maybe 50-50. However, if you didn’t explain this, this stats class will be the deciding factor.</p>
<p>Thank you everyone who responded. This has unsettled me greatly–though on the application update I explained everything as well as I could in 250 characters or less. I am hoping they will be merciful on my soul–I only received a couple B’s, the rest were A’s, and then that damned F. I’m riding on the fact that they will see the overall picture–that I get good grades pretty consistently minus that one F which I’ll be redoing anyway–and maybe let me in on a conditional acceptance (as in, let me in with the condition of passing Statistics). I know my first mistake was probably not doing TAP. I’ll be forever grateful if anyone else can offer me their opinion!</p>
<p>Ya know, the F will definitely be seen as an outlier. It’s just that it was so recent :/. I think that you have a solid shot at a conditional acceptance. Also, if you get an A in the stats class and you don’t get into UCLA, definitely appeal. I think that you will have a pretty good shot at an appeal with that huge an improvement in your grade and GPA.</p>
<p>@emil
It’s quite a leap to infer that the stats class would be “a deciding factor.” Are you an adcom? You’re in the application process yourself, how could you quantify his chances as 50-50… Especially considering his GPA is in the range for the major and he will be retaking the class (potentially boosting his GPA well above the average).</p>
<p>To the OP, if you put your best foot forward in your application then you’re fine. Just do well in the stats class now and best of luck.</p>
<p>OP - best of luck. your circumstances could very well become a beneficial hand. with your gpa and your major i think you have a realistic chance at ucla. hope to see you in the fall :)</p>
<p>Thank you so much everyone. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all your help and advice. I wish all of you the best of luck in everything you attempt now and in the future.</p>
<p>(Oh, btw, I’m a “she” haha Funny how gender-blind things can get on here, eh? :] )</p>
<p>@SFWarrior, i hope to see you in the fall as well! @emilsinclair9, That’s something I never considered–getting an A in stats and appealing, that is. That’s great advice, especially since this could be considered, “new and compelling information.” @Supa_Ramga, Thank you for your response–at times like this, any bit of hope means everything :]</p>
<p>Hopefully, I’ll see you guys elsewhere on this forum and I can return the favor :]</p>
<p>@Supa_Ramga: The OP asked for a chance and I provided that. In no way can anyone accurately quantify a process that is as subjective as it is objective. I never meant to do so, and I was only offering my input. When anyone asks for “chances” they are looking for, as the OP mentioned in his first post “a realistic assessment” of their chance of being admitted. </p>
<p>I think that you were referring to my “deciding factor” statement. I meant to say that it could be a deciding factor. My bad on that one. Although, explaining a recent F grade in the Personal Statement would likely be necessary or at the very least advisable.</p>
<p>Also, no, I’m not an adcom…just a guy waiting for April.</p>