Help me with my situation...

Transfer Students
1

<p>Hey guys,</p>

<p>So I am 24 years old. I've been in and out of school part time while working and finding out what I want in life.
This year, I've decided to dedicate myself to school. I want to go for a BS in Physics and a minor in computer science with the hope of going further in physics (masters/PhD).</p>

<p>I was going to get an Associates of Science degree at a city college here in Chicago, but I decided that I want to transfer as soon as possible (Fall 2014) to UiC and start a more extensive full-time student life.</p>

<p>My problem is my current credits.</p>

<p>1) I've had to take Algebra and Trigonometry (both I recieved A's scoring damn near 100% on) and also, stupidly took General Physics 1 instead of Engineering physics 1. All three of these classes will likely NOT transfer to my UiC program. I am 100% okay with this. I want to take the higher courses and learn as much as possible. That's my goal. But how will this be precieved by the University? Will I be of lesser value to them for acing these remedial courses? I understand these credits will not apply and I will likely be going from a junior to a freshmen once entering UiC -- Is this correct?</p>

<p>2) When I first started college when I was around 19/20 I took a semester at a different community college and received 4 C's and 1 A. To be honest, I kinda would rather re-take at least some of these courses for GPA purposes (but also for learning purposes). Would this be allowed? I don't care that it is on my transcript, but I care about the GPA purposes because I'd like to be in UiC's honors program and considering I have taken around 10-12 other classes at my current community college (all A's) I feel weighed down by my previous life decisions. Is there a way I can work with UiC to take those lame grades off my GPA for the honors requirement considering I now have multiple A's in a row in any class I take?</p>

<p>3) UiC transfer guidelines claims that transfer students should have 24 transferable credit hours at the time of application (now). While I have around 40+ credit hours at this community college, my dream UiC program will only take around 20 or so of those credit hours. Is this going to be a deciding factor and I will be denied? Ugh. </p>

<p>Basically, how likely is it that I will get into UiC's physics program when one understands these issues AND is it possible that I can start off in the UiC Honors program that requires a 3.7 GPA by eliminating the C's from my program?</p>

<p>Bonus: I am thinking about going to UiC and talking about this situation with their advisors or what not, can I do this prior to being accepted?</p>

<p>Thanks for reading and helping me out. </p>

2

<p>Your last question is the important one, and here is the answer: Yes, you can go meet with the admissions office at UiC. The people there will be able to advise you on the best path to follow.</p>

3

<p>Thank you kindly. </p>

4

<p>The UIC people will be able to answer some of these better than I but we take a lot of physics transfer students at my school, Illinois Tech (just down the road…), so I can give you my perspective.</p>

<p>1) You will be required to take Calculus and Calculus-based physics courses, starting form the beginning. Even though they do not count, the fact that you have done well on your pre-Calculus and non-Calculus physics courses is a positive. You will probably require most of 4 years to complete your degree and because your transfer credit is mostly going toward your general education requirements, the course load will be heavily technical.</p>

<p>2) GPA does not transfer. You will only get transfer credit. if you choose to take some of those courses again, it is really up to you. It is not a horrible idea since you might not want to have all your courses in technical areas all the time.</p>

<p>3) UIC will decide what they take as transfer. it may be 24 or more or less. The Admission Counselor might be able to give you a clearer idea of that is going to work out. Go visit the Admission office and also the physics department.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

5

<p>xray - Thank you for the words. Much appreciated. </p>

6

<p>The review process will not penalize you for taking lower level math courses to build up to the classes that count in the degree. GPA actually does transfer, at UIC at least, and to be eligible for the honors college at UIC, you must achieve a cumulative 3.4 GPA. It sounds like you will be eligible for transfer to UIC based on the information you provided. Best of luck!</p>