Getting a 'W' in a IGETC class BEFORE transferring for Fall '15?

Transfer Students UC Transfers
1

Hey everyone,

Currently having a huge dilemma right now. I have only one W from my past academic history on my transcript.

This one (if I drop) would be my second one. That one (coincidentally) was for an English 101 Honors class as well, but I just dropped it because I was having a rough semester.

I have my English (101) and Statistics class left. I’ve maintained at 3.6-3.7 (I don’t know my UC GPA) grade point, and have so far been accepted to CSULB, UCI (with Regents), and UCSB so far. Waiting on the other UCs. Super excited, yet worried at the same time.

I am currently taking a really frustrating English 101 class where I do not, in any way, appreciate the way the professor teaches (we literally watch porn-esque movies in class and analyze them- it’s okay because it’s ‘college’). I understand that but it’s pretty obvious that this guy has got something in it for himself, and it’s not okay to report him the basis of that because again, this is college, this guy is a tenured professor, and we are looking at it from a critical thinking (metaphorical perspective. Apparently. Enough of that though. Just felt like it paints the picture as those strange, ‘never again’ type of classes.

Honestly, I’ve been the kind of student used to literally get As on all my English papers, and have always found it to be one of the most rewarding classes. The professor I have rants, doesn’t give clear directions, and wants essays to be limited to 4 or less pages (usually remember writing required 19 page ones in other classes) and has this strange grammatical syntax that he literally invented that he wants us to imitate and put into our essays, so as to learn ‘technique.’ I am currently taking 22 units so this class is literally draining my energy as far as my esteem in my grades go, because on the first essay I got a D. I’ve had classes in the past where I don’t like the professor, but again, you can work with the professor and find some leeway, and I don’t feel like this is possible with this professor.

Honestly, I have no idea where this class is going and I am so afraid I am going to fail it. I have privately discussed this matter with him, and he told me that I need to put more effort into my work, and I feel like I have been doing just that. I always put 100% into my work, but with this I am not getting that feedback. I’ve talked to others, and they feel that he is very biased and subjective when he grades. Either he likes it or he doesn’t.

I pay attention in class, and sometimes contribute to discussions as needed. I am so afraid that this class might disqualify me from transferring.

I found that there is an 8 week version of the class at another nearby college, which starts in two weeks. Would it be safe to drop the class and start that one? The other class has a waitlist…of 5 or so…I can just go in the day of and see if I can get in. Would you guys recommend this?

Or should I stick to this professor? I don’t want to have my admissions WITHDRAWN because of this…:frowning: Still waiting on LA and UCB.

What should I do?

Please, please help.

Regards,

A Suffering Student

2

You must have your English requirements finished by Spring. Since the other 8 week course only has a waitlist, there’s no guarantee you’ll get in. I say, just stick out this class. Do what you can to get the best grades, and make sure you pass it. You likely won’t get rescinded for a C, but you will be rescinded for not completing the English requirement.

3

@2016Candles‌ I don’t think he’ll even give me a C with the way the environment is set up in this class…:frowning:

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Also, would a ‘W’ look bad, even if I do get into another class?

5

One or two 'W’s over a community college career is really OK. Don’t stress over it. I would target the waitlist class; you will likely clear the waitlist. Otherwise explore whether you can take the current course P/F (and come to an understanding with the prof that you WILL pass), or see if you can finish the requirement over the summer. Note that you CAN be certified “Partial IGETC” and finish up one or two classes at your university.

If you are afraid the class may disqualify you from transferring, go to the transfer office and explain the situation to them. You are a crown jewel, and they will help you. Not a huge percentage of CC students are able to transfer to UC; and it is rare indeed to transfer as a Regents Scholar. Don’t spend another day anxious and unsure. Go to the transfer office!

But know that they will tell you everything will be alright, one way or another!

6

You can get partial IGETC certification, but the English Comp requirement, must be finished before transfer. Math, English comp, and Critical Thinking, are non-negotiable requirements.

If you can definitely get in the other class, then do it, but if it’s not definite, then you could get screwed.

7

Good point, @2016Candles. OP, did you get a 4 or 5 on either of the Language Arts AP tests? That would satisfy the English Comp requirement.

Curiously, the UCLA Transfer Summer Program includes a required for-credit class that fulfills the Critical Thinking requirement, though all students must have already completed that requirement in order to be accepted as a UCLA student.

Keep the class, try to crash the waitlist on the other class. If you can, drop the current class (after you are sure you are registered). Also, there may be a way to take an online class and not have to visit 2 campuses.

Mostly, though, breathe! Talk to someone at the transfer center to put yourself at ease, and DO ask for help in developing options. With 22 units, you don’t want to add in commuting/parking time at a second campus if you can help it.

Good luck, Zoey!

8

Hmmm, you really should stick with this class. While there are rare exceptions where a person can get accepted with partial IGETC missing English, that only happens in extreme cases, and the UC minimum of 2 English comp courses must be fulfilled (IGETC English and UC minimum English are two different things). However, it doesn’t sound like you have the UC min req fulfilled, and even if you did, it’s a dicey proposition.

Also, having two Ws in English will not bode well from the UC’s POV. I think it would behoove you to get a tutor and get a C. If accepted, they will not kick you out over a C. Missing the course, they will reject you.

9

@2016Candles is spot on.

Also, @lindyk8 gets points for using the word ‘behoove’ :))

10

@2016Candles is spot on.

Also, @lindyk8 gets points for using the word ‘behoove’ :))

11

double post

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@ItsJustSchool‌ Thank you so, so much for your thorough reply. Your help on here means more than you’ll ever know to the people that you assist. I definitely think I will clear the waitlist, as I am waitlisted at 4 and the professor just said that as long as I do the work for the first week and stay the entire session I should be in the class. I apologize for not replying, but I just want to say that all the help that I’ve gotten on here has been so insightful and it is refreshing to see a place where everyone truly cares and wants everyone to get somewhere. The day I saw your answer I went to the transfer center the very next day and they advised me the same- they just thought that I should add the class to simplify my schedule. The English class is a late night one, so I think I can handle the commute! I appreciate your time and care!!! Still nervous, but a lot less stressed compared to before - I just can’t wait to find out if I got into UCLA and UCB. :slight_smile: Regardless, I feel like I can be much more relaxed now. @luckie1367‌ Thank you, I got it all cleared up! @lindyk8‌ Thank you for your continuous assistance. You’ve helped so many!! :slight_smile: