I want to transfer from a CSU (SF State) to a UC (UC Berkeley).
Here’s my stats:
Currently I would be considered a sophomore despite completing two years of undergrad by the end of the spring 2019 semester since I still have approximately 3 more years of classes to finish.
Science GPA: 4.0
Cumulative GPA: 4.0
I’ve volunteered for years at an organization (will remain unnamed for privacy) that helps kids 5-18 during the summers, and have some lab experience and am generally well versed in lab work like PCR, qPCR, and microscopy. I’ve also done martial arts and swimming (quit swimming for years, but am now getting back into it.)
Do I have a decent chance at getting into UC Berkeley, if I have a chance at all?
maybe… you will never know unless you apply. Note though that UCs have a pretty narrow transfer window of 60 o 90 semester units. You will note that the acceptance rate varies a LOT by major.
If you apply for xfer with entry in Fall 2020 then a concern is whether you will be considered a senior or high-unit junior since you will have been enrolled in college for 3 years by the time you enter a UC. Many UCs do not accept these applicants or limit them. See page 34 of http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/files/quick-reference-2018.pdf If everything you have taken so far and will take next year is lower division, no problem. Otherwise upper-division units are added to the lower-division cap of 70 semester units to calculate your total.
I’m hoping to get more rigorous classes to help me prepare for the MCAT, as well as better research opportunities. I currently attend San Francisco state university and am not sure I am getting the best research opportunity despite working with someone who is well respected in his field. Additionally, I’m looking for a more serious environment, since most people at SFSU seem to be happy to get by with Cs and Ds.
I think my institution (SFSU) takes how many years you have left into account when determining your status, which was why I mentioned it.
If I have over 70 units and have taken upper division classes next year, would I be able to pick which credits I could remove? I’d ask UC Berkeley themselves but their transfer advising is only available during the summer and beginning of the fall semester.
Not sure what your asking; nothing is removed. Think of transferring units as a two-track process. At a UC you need 180 quarter-units to graduate for most majors. A UC will give you up to 70 semester units (105 quarter units) towards UC graduation from classes you’ve taken anywhere else. At the same time you have a set of classes you must take depending on your college and major. UC gives you subject credit for everything you’ve taken, no limit. The links I gave have more info.
I understand wanting to be around students that take school more seriously. You may be able to find such students by taking part in the premed club, doing honors clubs/programs that are available, etc. In a large public you only need to find a dozen or so kindred spirits to completely change your experience.
Next, nothing they do at Cal is going to prepare you better for the MCAT. The MCAT tests knowledge of lower-division math/science classes you’ve likely already taken. The way to prepare for the MCAT is to use review books and practice, perhaps also take a prep class.
Unless you are aiming for a MD/PhD then research isn’t that important for med school admission. It was 30 years ago, but these days its just another factor to consider. What is important is that you continue spending time volunteering in a health-care setting, perhaps also look for shadowing opportunities.
