Hi guys,
I am a freshman in Computer Science at CSU Fullerton. I really do not belong in this school. I do not want to be too optimistic, so I need second opinions. Would it be possible to transfer to UC Berkeley EECS after freshman year? If so, what should I do in terms of GPA, Internships, class credit, extracurriculars? I really do not feel like I can reach my fullest potential where I am at now. Please help me.
You can only transfer as a junior (60+ semester / 90+ quarter units).
It’s not impossible, but you’d probably need a straight 4.0, and all prerequisites (required and recommended courses, ideally) completed.
It’s probably easier to transfer into EECS from a CC than CSU, because you would essentially need perfect grades. It’s no easy task, but it’s not impossible.
Thank you, goldenclub. Would the chances be any different for UCLA or USC? I am keeping my options open.
You need high GPA, maybe around 3.8-3.9 for those schools.
Thanks Dr. Google! How much do internships and extracurriculars matter?
From what I’ve read here, ECs matter very little. Mostly GPA.
Thank you. I know the chances are little but I will give it a try. I have my options open to privates as well, but that is for another forum. 
Berkeley EECS is very particular. Very. Anything CS related is very impacted. Same for UCLA, although perhaps not as difficult to get in. It’s easier to get into CS than EECS.
I don’t know about USC.
Consider applying to other UC’s as well? GPA and prereq completion are the primary factors (and GE stuff, but I don’t know how that works from CSU to UC).
Berkeley student here. Berkeley EECS is notoriously difficult, and what they want to see is that you’ll be up the coursework. Take very hard courses, especially CS, math, and engineering. Take MOOCs on top of that to really challenge yourself. I’m not sure about the transfer application but I’m sure a very glowing rec letter wouldn’t hurt.
Berkeley take letter of recommendation for transfer now? I thought only submit it if they ask for it.
They definitely don’t take letters of recommendation for transfer students unless they specifically request them, which is rare from what I understand.
They take letter of recs for freshman applicants. Only UC to do so.
“In April 2015, UC Berkeley adopted a new freshman admission policy. Starting in fall 2015, some applicants to UC Berkeley will be invited to submit two letters of recommendation. This will be optional and not required.”
I don’t think transfer students are afforded that luxury, but I could be wrong.
“will be invited” is the key.
Hey goldenbear2019: thanks for your input. What are MOOCs , exactly?
MOOC - Massive Open Online Course. Basically online classes from schools.
Think something like MIT OpenCourseWare, edX, etc.
Yeah, so now another thing to stress over. Does “will be invited” mean you’re borderline?
Oh, the humanity!
I guessing yes on the borderline.
Thanks, goldenbear2019. I visited the MIT OpenCourseWare website, but it says that “you cannot receive credit, a degree, or a certificate upon completion of OCW materials”. How can they help me in the application process?
He’s talking about how using their resources you can develop your skills that can translate into other places. The information learned from the courses can help you do better in class so achieve the grades you need for EECS.
Thanks, Orangered123. I now understand. And also, guys: with my transferred AP/IB credits, I already have 42 units. By the end of the semester, I will have 59. I can still get 2 more credits out of my exam credit, so if I talk it out with an advisor, I will have 61. Does this make me a better contender to transfer out?
ALSO: I am not very adamant on transferring next year. I am open to transferring junior year as well. I am also open to other UCs as well (e.g. UCSD, UCI, etc.)