Hi guys. I’m aiming for UCLA as a physics major (and UC intercampus transfer). Due to reasons, I got a C in an intro to physics class last spring. The rest of my grades are As and A-s.
I hear UC to UC transfer is already really hard. How badly will this affect my chances? Will I have a chance at UCLA at all?
It’s fine. Only Physics courses that UCLA provides/accepts is Calculus-based General Physics. Or, one of those “For Engineer/Scientist” series. The naming is different from college to college. Only courses you have to take into consideration is any courses that affects your Major GPA. Especially for a Physics major. Check on Assist.org for pre-requisites for your major. Those pre-requisite course grades will determine your major GPA. C in that course may drop your transferable GPA, but it has nothing to do with your Major GPA.
@laccstudent But it is in the general physics course series that is calculus based. Sorry that I wasn’t clear. My major gpa is around 3.6. Oh crap it’s really bad isn’t it. I thought physics wasn’t a compacted major?
Okay, I thought you meant introductory course before General Physics.
However, which one was it? Phys 5A, 5B or 5C? If it’s 5A, then get A’s on 5B and 5C. If they are all B’s and C’s … the chances are slim.
@laccstudent It was in 5c. My overall gpa is 3.7. Do I still have a chance?
Even if it’s not impacted, I believe science majors forgive other grades (meaning getting B’s and C’s in GE-breadth/IGETC like History,Humanity etc.). So I asked about your major GPA and grades pattern.
I think you should look into UCLA regardless. 2014’s admit GPA range was around 3.55-3.91 and 2015’s admit GPA range was 3.63-3.94. So you are still inside the bracket for admit range. Plus, it was UC-level courses, you might still get in!
All transferable grades are considered.
I don’t know much about your program specifically, but a 3.7 isn’t bad. Having a C certainly doesn’t help your application, but it might not be the end of the world.
Write some really strong essays and make sure your application is balanced with good ECs.
@briank82 Thanks for replying! Unfortunately I don’t have good ECs either, but I thought ECs don’t count much for transfers? I have a semi good reason of why I slipped up that quarter. Do you think if I get a 4.0 this quarter, they might look past my C (even though it’s in a major prep class)?
I’m not sure where you get the idea that ECs don’t matter much for transfers, but they are important. For UCLA, i would say grades are most important, and essays and ECs are also big factors. If your grades aren’t stellar, then you need solid ECs and exceptional personal statements to really have a chance.
@ApricotWolf Extracurriculars are very, very important. You need good grades regardless, but they want to see how you’re unique. A 4.0 is just another 4.0 among many, many of them at a top school. Extracurriculars and life experience is what makes you stand out.
I work closely with one advisor for Berkeley and his mindset is that if you don’t have any EC’s, he expects you to have a 4.0 because you (in theory) aren’t doing anything besides focusing on school. Food for thought.
@briank82 @2016Candles Sorry to keep peppering you guys with questions, but I started some EC’s this quarter, can I put it on the application? Will they count?
@briank82 @2016Candles Also, are high school EC’s relevant at all?
No apologies needed! I was say you should put all of your post high school ECs, even if you just started. It won’t hurt and it may help. If your high school ECs were long term (2+ years) and HS isn’t more than 2, maybe 3 years ago, include it.
High school is irrelevant to them unless it’s really recent and really compelling … but generally they’re irrelevant.
If you’ve started them and are now doing them, you can add them.