I was rejected today as a transfer to UCLA from SMC. I am very sad because it is my third year and I will either need to take an extra year at SMC or transfer to a CSU. I was rejected from most UC’s so far and waitlisted at UCD. I am a life science major, (MCDB for UCLA), and IGETC completed, but I was missing one life science class. I know this is the reason I was not accepted to many schools, such as UCM, UCR, and UCSB. I thought that maybe I could get into UCLA because I had met the minimum requirements to transfer and I volunteer as a Care Extender in the RRH.
I have looked at the possible classes I can take at SMC and I am able to take all lower division chemistry, physics, math, and life science here. (However, I will be above the transferrable number of units) I can also take 153A and 153L, so I will be able to make a dent into my upper div classes.
My question is regarding graduating after transferring in just one year. If I am able to transfer to UCLA with those classes completed, would I only need to complete the classes listed on the UCLA MCDB site (Link: https://www.mcdb.ucla.edu/undergraduate/major-requirements)? I counted that there are 8 classes left for MCDB, but I obviously may be incorrect. If I only have to take those 8 classes, would I be able to transfer, filling the extra units from the 75 with GE classes?
I plan to make some changes this next year such as joining UCTAP and STEM clubs at my college as well as looking into joining in some research that is done at UCLA. I know that it will be best to speak to a counselor at UCLA with the questions that I have, but I was hopeful that someone here may be able to give me some insight as well. I really appreciate anyone taking the time to read this and help me out.
It is not it’s not worth waiting another year to apply again - only to risk being rejected again.
I am not trying to be mean here but; you are already 3 years in, you haven’t taken a required class and are surprised UCLA (and the other UCs) turned you down… what did you think they meant by ‘required class’?
At this point, you need to be thinking about the quickest way to earn your degree and get out into the working world and on with your life.
UCLA is not Hogwarts. There is no magic that happens there, student’s don’t get wands and aren’t entrusted with any great powers. No secret formula for success is imparted that you can’t learn elsewhere.
Run to the CSU that accepted you and make the most of the opportunities there. Virtually any of them is better than the path you are on.
You don’t mention your GPA, but you were waitlisted to Davis. Yes, you can stay another year and complete more classes. It will help with UC units but be aware there is a minimum to take in residency and a minimum
upper division needed. There’s also a minimum
upper level for the major. It might take you 1-1/2 years, I have no idea. Four years at a CCC is fine and you aren’t losing much time as you are taking required courses, hoping to get research opportunities and joining clubs. All good stuff. Do what your heart tells you to do.
Courses taken at a CA community college are lower division courses and you can take many more than the required 60 semester/90 quarter units to transfer. Only 105 UC quarter transferable units will count toward your 180 minimum for a bachleor’s degree. You cannot graduate from UCLA in one year because the balance of units are to be mainly upper division courses that meet your major’s requirements. In addition if you were at UCLA, the recommendation is to take about 12-15 units per quarter, so @mikemac is right. So is @Ohm888 with the additional requirement about taking a minimum number of units while in residence meaning taking classes on campus.
You can appeal in this round, or take another year just like others have done, and successfully, I might add. At the same time you can beef up your ECs too.