My local JC doesn't have the recommended classes?

My JC (Merced College) seems to have all the required classes for UCLA transfer as a Computer Science major. The problem is it doesn’t have the recommended courses. Will that be a big deal or not?

You need the required courses to even be considered. Completion of recommended courses (with outstanding grades, naturally) will make you stand out. Are there any nearby JC/CCs that offer some recommended courses?

They won’t hold against you the fact that your college doesn’t offer the recommended courses. It’s nothing you can help. Many transfers (myself included) attended multiple schools to take classes not offered at their primary CC. It’s something to consider. While the lack of recommended courses will not be held against you, understand that you will be competing for spots in UCLA’s CS department with students who have completed some or most of those recommended courses - so it’s best to go out of your way to take some, if possible.

@Golden Club, The closest JC to me that offers every class I need is Orange Coast College but it is 250 miles away from me. Will those classes be worth it to move out all the way to LA?

Your best option is to find out if there’s an online equivalent or if the college will waive it for you.

It depends, naturally. If you live with your parents, or are well-situated in Merced (or nearby), it probably wouldn’t be worth it - unless you would really like to move to LA early, of course. One of my friends moved to LA to complete MechE courses, FWIW.

Online equivalents are good to look into, OR you can cross enroll at UCM to take the courses (they’ll definitely offer them equivalents, but if you take this path, you should contact UCLA to be sure they articulate).

http://registrar.ucmerced.edu/services/special-programs/concurrent-enrollment-program-extension

“Junior college students are also encouraged to take concurrent enrollment classes, but they should first check into Intersegmental Cross Enrollment. Intersegmental Cross Enrollment is a separate program with lower fees and is administered by the community college and UC Merced.”

(you’ll pay JC fees for UC courses, essentially)