<p>So, I am a very non-traditional college student. I am 25 years old and returned to my local community college (Santiago Canyon College) last summer of 13. I had a great job right out of high school, and only went to a community college because i was told that i needed to. I got C's, D's, and F's. As soon as i figured out that i should actually try with college, i got in a horrible motorcycle accident that led me unable to walk for a year. Well, now im back, and i retook all of the D's and F's, and have received A's in every class ive taken since returning (13 of them) . I took 21 units last semester and received all A's in: Stats, Calc 3, Social Psych, C++ programming, Communications, and College Alegbra (to help me with my high school tutoring.) </p>
<p>Here's my question: I applied to all of the UC's, my intended major is Cognitive Science (biopsych for UCSB, TAG) and Im wondering how competitive I am. </p>
<p>UC GPA: 3.44
Major GPA : 3.9 (per assist)
IGETC: completed
UCLA: 7/8 prereqs done, last one in progress and will be done before transfer.
Berkeley: 1/1 prereqs done, nothing else articulated for my school.
And pretty much all prereqs done for all the other UC's</p>
<p>I have a very clear and steep upward grade trend, and would LOVE to go to UCLA or Berkeley (who wouldnt, i know), but do you think that is enough? I am clearly a different student than i was when i was 18 and 19, and provided an excellent essay about my circumstances in my personal statement. Any and all input would be very much appreciated! Thank you!</p>
<p>Is that 3.44 including the college algebra? I’m pretty sure college algebra won’t be included as part of your GPA because you took it after calc 2. </p>
<p>Last year the avg GPA applied for that major at UCLA was 3.32, admitted was 3.59. UCLA and UCB are reaches.</p>
<p>The 3.44 is with the college algebra yes, however I Just completed a Biopsych class for winter and received an A, so my overall will be 3.47, with the college algebra. </p>
<p>I think you’re a very good applicant for both UCLA and Cal. Now - I know most would reject this because of your 3.47 but I think you have other things to support you. Sounds like you have an interesting personal statement and your prereqs are completed too. UCLA and Cal really look into seeing the whole application. I know others think that UCLA is more about numbers but not entirely true. </p>
<p>Plus, Cognitive Science is not highly selective. So you have a good chance. </p>
<p>@ocnative, thank you so much for the support. I have had a lot of doubt expressed to me from many of my classmates, and even counselors. However, I met with the UCLA transfer representative at my school in November, and she said she was very impressed, and that if i were to receive all A’s with my current workload, i would be pretty competitive. I dont know if she was saying it to make me feel better or if she was serious. </p>
<p>Im hoping that i have evidenced a clear change in academic output, and that both Cal and UCLA will see that. Thanks again!</p>
<p>I am a non-traditional transfer, as well. My GPA is now a 3.23, that is a HUGE improvement from the 1.8 GPA I had when I went back to school in Fall of 2012 after a seven year break. The closest UC to me is UCSD, but I also applied to UCI, UCLA, and UCR. If I get into any of those three and not UCSD, I will have to commute at least an hour and a half each way. I was really stressed out about getting into UCSD until I met with my UCSD rep. He told me that I should appeal the decision if I do not get into the school I want. I had pretty extreme extenuating circumstances that caused me to not do well in school when I initially went to a cc 7 years ago. I have been able to consistently get a 3.8-4.0 over the last three and a half semesters while taking 15 plus units, working, and caring for my daughter and husband (who has medical issues). The rep told me that the appeal process is made for people who are initially over-looked, but have dealt with extenuating circumstances and can prove they are ideal candidates based on significant academic improvement. He also said, although he cannot guarantee that I will win an appeal, I have a very good chance of getting in on an appeal if I am initially denied admission. </p>
<p>It sounds like you have similar circumstances, so it is something to consider if you are not initially admitted to the college you would like to go to.</p>
<p>wow @knhofto, that is really awesome and inspiring. My gpa jump is almost identical to yours, and the appeal process is something i hadn’t really even thought about yet. Thank you so much for the input, and i will definitely submit an appeal if i am not accepted. </p>