I need some serious consultation, please.

Transfer Students UC Transfers
1

<p>I'd like to begin by saying that I am not a very responsible student and even now, am full of regrets that linger as far back as High School. (I was accepted to a prestigious arts school, did not do well at all, and ended up going to a community college as a result.) Every semester, I always begin by telling myself that I will definitely achieve good grades, but it always falls off towards the end.</p>

<p>I began with a mix of As/Bs for my first semester at my community college, but as of last year, some hardships in life happened and I fell apart (parents divorcing, etc.), bringing my grade down to a devastating 2.87. I decided to get myself together this semester and have been doing great so far with As in all classes. I have also finally settled on a major after two years of uncertainty. Today, I went to speak with a counselor and was informed that I could potentially transfer (having completed my IGETC, with a mix of honor classes and unimpressive grades that ranged from mainly Cs to A) after finishing my major prep (I need two more classes according to assist.org). After doing the math, I was told that if I get As in all my classes this semester, I could potentially bring my grade up to a 3.2ish, but that's not even good enough, especially after being told that a 3.4 was necessary for TAG and that it was the average of what UCI (the school I am planning to go to) looks for. Furthermore, the application deadlines are this Winter and I really don't think I'll have ANY chance without bringing a set of straight As to my transcript or at least finishing my major prep next spring.</p>

<p>My question is, should I apply anyways or wait til next year when I finish my major prep and attempt to drag my grade back up to an appropriate level? I'm feeling severely underachieved as an individual and I hardly have any noteworthy EC to present to UC.</p>

2

<p>From what I know, you could always do both–that is, apply (to see if you can get anywhere with your current situation) and if not, then no biggie (as you do have plans to complete one more year if necessary). In fact, one of my friends is doing that. She tells me she’s most likely going to do another year at our CC, but she’s applying anyway this year with fee waiver (she doesn’t think she will get in because she has a lot of unfinished prereqs, but you never know).</p>

<p>I mean, that’s only if you’re willing to spend the time/money (or just time and get application fees waived). More than likely, like you said, you might have to end up doing the extra year, but would be hugely beneficial and increase your chances immensely for the next application season. But note, GPA + major prereqs trump ECs no matter what–focus on and prioritize those first should you stay another year, and thenn you can get into worrying about ECs.</p>

<p>In short, I’m leaning towards your completing another year, but if you have the time/effort, you can apply anyway (4 schools for free with fee waiver) to see where you stand. If by some chance you get into a school you’d be content with going to, then great! Nothing to lose, aside from spending time to write your PS and filling out the UC app. And note it’s not gonna be held against you whether you were rejected or not and apply again next year, they surely wouldn’t remember a student from the past amid the thousands of apps they have to sift through.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

3

<p>Thank you very much for your advice! I am planning to wrap things up next spring, so I guess that means I have no choice but to apply next year fall, which basically leaves me with a whole year with nothing to do…</p>