Me, psychology, and UCs

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hey everyone, I'm back for more guidance! My plan now is to go to CC in San Diego and knock out all my prereqs and general education stuff. With a 3.4 and 1710 sat score, I could have probably gone somewhere better but I have decided to take it slow and save some cash. I have already promised myself that I will a great and competitive GPA there! Anyway I am already stressed about where to go and what to do after my 2 years. I really like UCSC, UC Berkeley, and UCLA. Hopefully a psychology major? I have been through a lot (a dozen surgeries, depression, family conflicts, divorce, etc...) and I truly have a deep understanding of life and misfortune. I have great verbal, reading, and writing skills, and my science and math skills are about average (ready to improve). I am very hardworking too!!! My personality adheres to the hedonism of the 60s and 70s, and also the Beat Generation. From this perspective Berkeley looks like the perfect choice, but it is so extremely competitive, especially for transfer students. I heard UCLA has a great psychology program (very clinical), and I could live with my grandma in the Palisades, but it is also very competitive and I do not like the hustle and bustle of the city too much. So Santa Cruz sounds just perfect for me right? Maybe. I absolutely love the area; so peaceful and beautiful. The only thing is that the psychology course there is really scientific and research-based (It says this on their website). This scares me, as someone who prefers a more philosophical approach. But is this approach only reserved for the cream of the crop who get into my dream school, Berkeley? Would the "clinical" approach of UCLA be good? I guess I could get through the math and research at Santa Cruz. Also my dad has some military disability so money is not really a problem.</p>

<p>I know it sounds like I don't know what I am talking about because, well... I don't. I know I will figure it out eventually (optimism is a virtue), but some guidance would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance</p>

<pre><code> - Wyatt
</code></pre>

2

<p>Many UC schools have Transfer Admission Guarantee programs, which guide you through which classes to take to get your GE’s out of the way, as well as assure you that if you meet their minimum GPA (and any other criteria specific to the school and/or your potential major), that you will be admitted to the school.</p>

<p>To be sure that you’re eligible, as soon as you determine which CC you’re going to enroll at, make an appointment with the CC’s Transfer Counselor. Tell them your potential major and where you hope to transfer to. They will be able to guide you through the process of registering for the TAP program.</p>

3

<p>Psych is a pretty generic major at most colleges, and it’s hard to have a poor offering in such a major. All UCs doe Psych well, including UCSD. (Some of the SD County jucos have a TAG agreement with UCSD, and since you are a local.) The UCs are so large, and course offerings so immense, you can focus your major on your personal interests, whether that be biology, learning & motivation…</p>

<p>Attend your community college, get great grades, move into the cc honors program (if they have one), apply in two years and decide then.</p>

<p>btw: UCLA also offers a Comp Sci-focused Neuro-psych program.</p>