I am a computer science transfer applicant from a CC for Fall 2015. I have a 3.15 GPA, IGETC done, but am missing 3 major prereq courses. I know some UC’s aren’t as strict on completing the prereqs, but how is UCR when it comes to this? I’ve talked to a couple of counselors at the school and I can’t seem to get a straight answer. Thanks
I went on assist and input the info for UCR and my CCC. (I’m assuming you are at a California CC) and it gave me a list of courses that are required prior to transfer. It might be different for your CC. But, as long as you have those completed, it’s probably fine.
CS is selective at Riverside. Are those three missing classes offered at your CCC? If so, they might wonder where they are. Assist notes that Riverside says the focus should be on major req over IGETC or breadth. And with that amount of major pre-reqs did a counselor suggest you do IGETC? Breadth would have been a better choice, I would think. I am not an expert on Riverside, and they may be more forgiving if everything else is done.
Looking at a typical ASSIST report to transfer to UCR CS, it says that the “COURSES REQUIRED PRIOR TO TRANSFER” are the equivalents of:
CS 10 (or AP CS A or AB score of 3)
CS 12 (or AP CS AB score of 3)
Math 9A (or AP calculus AB or BC score of 3)
Math 9B (or AP calculus BC score of 3)
Math 9C
Physics 40A
It also says to “COMPLETE THE EQUIVALENT OF AT LEAST THREE OF THE FOLLOWING UCR COURSES:”
CS 11 or Math 11 (discrete structures)
CS 14 (data structures)
CS 61 (machine organization)
Math 10A (calculus of several variables)
Physics 40B
Physics 40C
Additional recommended courses:
Math 31 (linear algebra)
Math 46 (differential equations)
Biology 2, 3, or 5A/5LA
If your three missing courses are all in the second category, you may be admissible. If any are in the first category and are offered at your nearby CCs, then they may wonder why you did not take them. In any case, the more prerequisites you take before transfer, the less “catch up” you need to do after transfer.