I know this question has been asked a lot already, but I just wanted to ask if there are any benefits of finishing the IGETC if i plan to transfer for engineering? I am looking at UC Davis, UCSC, UC Berkeley, UCLA, UCSB, and UCSD for computer engineering. However, most of my pre-reqs are only going to be offered in the spring at my local community college, and as a result there would only be two classes I would have to take next semester according to Assist.org. Do you guys think I should try and finish the IGETC if I can, or would it give me no advantage whatsoever once I transfer?
at some UCs they don’t even recognize IGETC for engineering majors. You’ll need to check the rules for each campus.
Personally I think you’d be better off taking related courses, even if they’re not required. Your CC should have plenty of offerings in the computer science area and the more you know about computer languages, data structures, compilers, etc. the better prepared you will be for the UC, for finding internships after sophomore year (a lot of UC kids get them, not as many CC xfers), and for the job market after you graduate.
Definitely try if it’s not too much out of your way to complete. The advantage would be that it would allow you to take some “easier” classes to help raise your GPA. Even if a certain UC (such as Berkeley) doesn’t accept IGETC for engineering majors, it may help knock off some you will have to take after transferring.
For UCSD it’s more important since they have the college system, and you’ll have a bunch of GEs to take. Unlike some UCs that offer different (less) requirements for engineering majors, you will have to apply to one of the colleges at UCSD and complete all the required classes which can delay graduation unless you finish IGETC.