<p>I'm applying to transfer this fall, and I had a few questions I hope you guys can help me with. From my CC, I'm a Poli Sci/Geography major with a 3.83 GPA after a semester + intersession, about 18 units, and making "significant progress" toward IGETC. This semester, I'm taking 17 units, and hope to keep up my GPA. However, I've got a few APs (World History, US History, US Gov't, English Lit) under my belt, and I'm thoroughly confused how this is factored in. </p>
<p>Since my CC doesn't even recognize World History, I can add it into my GPA; US History gives me credit for two CC courses, but is this relevant since I plan to transfer anyway? I have a DAP/GTO contract with UCLA, but I hope to go to Berkeley. The problem with Berkeley is that they won't accept AP units for major requirements. For Poli Sci, this means Poli Sci 1, PS 2, US History, and World History. Three out of the four classes are from AP, and after getting the runaround calling Berkeley's counseling office, my CC transfer contact in the Soc Sci Dept told me not to worry about, I could contest this when I get to Berkeley. Is this feasible? I don't want to get there and have to take all these courses again. Or should I apply under Geography (since I'm taking those required classes now) and contest it after I get to Berkeley? </p>
<p>I'm also wondering about my chances to Berkeley. My Honors Transfer Program counselor told me it's rare that they accept anybody from my CC (El Camino). I think she said...10 people in that last 3 years, and they all had a 4.0. Encouraging, I know. I don't get why that is, is it because we're a lot closer to UCLA so it's one or the other that accepts you?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for any advice you can give. I never realized that as a transfer student, you truly are on your own, in terms of guidance (what classes to take, etc, etc.)<br>
.</p>
<p>hey greenmoo, well I don't have much on advice, but its really cool knowing that I'm not the only one who wants to major in geography. Too bad you're on your own, at my cc there are a lot of counselors who are always willing to help.</p>
<p>Sorry to say, but it sounds like your AP credits are useless at Cal, except for giving you an extra 5.3 units per exam that apply to zero requirements other than the 120 units needed to graduate. There is no rule that says AP credits automatically have to be beneficial. Sorry. You can use AP for IGETC but the courses you retake will probably work for IGETC too.... so why take AP in high school?<br>
It's even worse for freshmen, they can't use AP for the seven course breadth (GE) requirements. Maybe taking courses at the CC while in high school would've been much better (more units, more requirements met, and less work!). Hindsight is 20/20...</p>
<p>The only word that counts regarding major requirements is the Poli sci department at Berkeley. The poli sci dept says no AP credit so you'll need to take those courses. You could possibly ask the poli sci dept for a waiver but why should they give you a free pass that every other AP student didn't get and you aren't even admitted yet... so it sounds like you are stuck. Whatever your CC counselor says (or the L&S counselor at Cal) doesn't really matter regarding major requirements unless it happens to match what the Poli sci department says. </p>
<p>Finally, I think being on your own in terms of guidance is a good thing. Sometimes you get really, really bad advice from CC counselors. For example, I think you have a decent shot at Cal despite what your CC counselor says. I think countinued attempts to use AP on Poli Sci will be deterimental to your admission chances at Cal unless you finish lower division prereqs for another major and switch once you get to Cal.... but I think your chances of getting a free pass by using AP is low and will cost you an extra semester's worth of tuition and time.</p>