Intended Major(s)
Computer Engineering (Computer Science & Engineering if offered) GPA, Rank, and Test Scores
College GPA (for transfers): 3.51 (+/- .03 after this semester), significant upward trend (2.0 → 4.0).
Major GPA is significantly higher (3.83) or a bit lower (3.4) depending on how it is calculated.
Coursework
All major prep work completed.
All recommended optional courses completed.
Major transfer pathway (electrical engineering) to be completed by Spring.
Roughly 120 units completed by Spring.
2-3 AAs complete by Spring.
Extracurriculars
Experience with working a large open-source project
Worked as a paid tutor / computer repairman
Have done video game development & web development as hobbies
Play the piano and mess with Arduino projects on occasion as hobbies
Have had obligations to my family for a while now, especially for my grandmother & younger sibling
Served as a church youth group helper for a few years in the past Some of these ECs are only applicable to my high school years
Essays/LORs/Other
Currently have 2 PIQ essays complete:
one that explores the creativity and problem solving in video game development
another that goes over the struggles of financial insecurity & homelessness throughout my adolescence, and how I’ve worked to overcome them.
Cost Constraints / Budget
Will take loans / work-study as needed. EFC is 0.
Schools
UCR
UCSC
UCI
UCSD
UCSB
UCLA
UCB
Safety *
UCR
UCSC
Match / Reach *
All other UCs. I’m specifically interested in UCI, UCSD, UCSB (in that order).
The other UCs and UCB L&S CS are somewhat more realistic reaches (however, if admitted to UCB L&S, you need to complete the remaining prerequisites at UCB with a 3.3 GPA to enter the L&S CS major).
Ah, I’m not looking to apply as a computer science major anywhere; “computer science and engineering” is a specific major offered by UCD, UCLA, and UCI. Regardless, I appreciate the input.
Did you TAG to any of the campuses? Are the 120 units all lower division from a CC?
I think that ucbalumnus has gauged your chances correctly. Have you run the NPC’s so see if Federal aid and work study will cover costs? Will your parents take out a Parent Plus loan if there is a money gap? No interest in any of the CSU’s CE programs?
UCSD will the Reachiest of your target UC’s. UCB and UCLA should always be considered High Reach schools. All but UCR/UCM and UCSC will be tough admits.
UCR and UCM will probably admit you. UCSC will be a coin toss. I’d be sure to apply to a few CSUs as well.
Sac, Chico, and SF would be good candidates.
Apply broadly so you have options…
Good luck
Computer engineering (not computer science) at SJSU may be a reasonable match if you have completed seven major prep courses: Transfer Impaction Results | Admissions .
With the 25th/75th admit ranges, there are applicants that are accepted above and below these ranges. Just being shy of the 25th percentile will make the school more of a Reach than of course being within these ranges. GPA is a huge factor but your EC’s and PiQ’s will all contribute to your chances.
Gotcha. Bit of a silly question, but the transfer stats also represent the 25th - 75th percentile for enrollees, correct? The only reason I’m asking is because there is no mention of it at the bottom of the page, though I do recognize that the site mentions it near the top.
You should look at the admitted GPA range since that is where you want to be for the best chances. Many times the enrolled GPA can be lower than the admitted GPA. Like I stated, these are ranges and they do accept applicants below the 25th percentile.
This is common because the yield for stronger admits is typically lower. The stronger admits are more likely to have other attractive choices of colleges or scholarships.