<p>I currently go to Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA.
I realize that this diminishes my chances at getting in to UC Berkeley since they give preference to CCC students.
But I am a California resident -- I live in the Bay Area, and the primary reason i am interested in transferring is because I want to study Linguistics and that program is not offered at the college I currently attend.
Do you think these two things give me a slight leg up in the admissions process?</p>
<p>I have already met with a professor in the Linguistics Program at Berkeley and an Admissions Councilor. I have already completed admissions pre-reqs and by the end of Sophomore year I will have completed all undergrad requirements for graduation.</p>
<p>My GPA right now is a 3.7, it should be around a 3.8 by the end of the semester.</p>
<p>If Linguistics is an impacted major at Berkeley, you’ll have a tough time trying to transfer in. I don’t know if it is or not, you should check that out yourself. When I had an appointment with a Berkeley counselor last week, she told me that the priority for admissions goes like this: (Highest to lowest priority)</p>
<p>California Community Colleges, Out of State Community Colleges, and all 4-year institutions.</p>
<p>You’re at the bottom of the pool along with all of the other 4-year applications. Write a really damn good essay and keep up your GPA and hope for the best. You need to show them in your essay why you NEED to go to UC Berkeley, not just because you want to. (This is what they told me and my friend since my friend is applying from a 4-year). Since the number of CCC applicants rise every year, they pretty much fill up all the spots for transfer. But again, check to see how impacted your major is.</p>
<p>yeah, I heard the same thing which isn’t super awesome, but I’m hoping that the fact that I don’t have the option to study Linguistics at my current school is a good enough reason to “need” to go there. </p>
<p>Also, I’m fairly certain Linguistics is not an impacted major at Berkeley.</p>
<p>Id say you have a good shot and yes, I think wanting to study something not offered at your current school is one of the best, if not the best, reason for a transfer from a 4 year to have. Just keep the grades up and complete GE classes as well as any major related classes. Remember, “demonstrated interest in the major” is one of the factors, so even if you have completed your prereqs (or if they aren’t available), try to fill up your schedule with anything that is related to you major instead of random classes. If you have extra room, try to take some english, philosophy, a language or anything else that would be somewhat related.</p>
<p>I transferred from a 4-year so it’s utterly possible. I actually think you have a good chance. I’ve met a handful of others who transferred from 4-years so I don’t think it’s quite as difficult as they play it up to be. Also, the pool is significantly smaller and you have to figure that most are lacking prereqs/breadth/etc. so having those really bolsters your chances.</p>