<p>I'm currently a senior in high school and am really unsure where to apply. I live in California was am hoping to go to a UC but I'm not sure if I can get into one. I have a 3.4 unweighted gpa, a 30 on the act and hardly any extracurriculars. I figure the low gpa and lack of extracurriculars will make it difficult to get into a good UC. I want to major in computer engineering and was thinking that I could just go to UC Riverside and try to transfer to UCLA after two years but I realize that is really hard and would require nearly a 4.0. Do I have any chance at the higher UCs such as UCSD or UCD? Should I consider a CC then transferring to the UC of my choice or attempt to transfer from one UC to another? I don't exactly want to go out of state but I would definitely consider it if I have a better chance for better colleges that are out of state.</p>
<p>You need to calculate your UC GPA, see link: <a href=“GPA Calculator for the University of California – RogerHub”>http://rogerhub.com/gpa-calculator-uc/</a></p>
<p>If you have an unweighted GPA of 3.4, your UC GPA is probably in the 3.6-3.7+ range. Average GPA for UC Riverside was 3.77 with an ACT of 25. UCM’s averge GPA was 3.61 with an ACT of 24. For Engineering majors, you need to be above the average since the majors are so competitive. You might want to consider UCSC also, but UCD/UCSD/UCI/UCSB/UCLA and UCB, would be reaches. Average GPA’s are 4.0+.<br>
If you want to transfer, you are better off going to a CC and doing TAG (Guaranteed Transfer) to any of the UC’s except UCSB/UCLA/UCB and UCSD. You can still try to transfer to UCLA without TAG.</p>
<p>For in-state, you might want to consider CSULB, SJSU and CPP. Their engineering programs are highly rated.</p>
<p>For OOS schools you might want to look at WUE (Western Undergrad Exchange) where you OOS tuition costs would be reduced for the participating schools. <a href=“http://wue.wiche.edu/”>http://wue.wiche.edu/</a></p>
<p>Best of Luck.</p>
<p>I have a 3.55 UC GPA. If I don’t do TAG and want to transfer to UCSD, UCLA or UCB will it be near impossible or is it doable as long as I get a high GPA and complete all of the prerequisites. Those three UC’s are the ones I would really prefer to go to. Also is it significantly harder to get into UCSD and UCB from another UC than from a CC? I know that UCLA doesn’t favor CC or UC’s but probably has more competition for this reason, especially for engineering.</p>
<p>As it stands with your UC GPA of 3.55, UCSD/UCB and UCLA will all be reaches. UC to UC transfers are harder since the UC’s will give preference to CC transfers. It can be done and if you check the UC Transfer threads, there have been some successful UC to UC transfers. You would need to get a High GPA at the UC or CC, so you might want to save costs by attending a CC. Also if you use assist.org, it will show you the transfer pre-requisites required for each UC. </p>
<p>Good Luck</p>
<p>I believe that only 7% of transfer students starting this fall at UCB came from non-CCs. That show how hard it is.</p>
<p>I really want to attend a university but I guess CC might be a good option. It’s probably easier to do well at a CC and better chance at getting accepted.I know UCLA has no preference for transfers but I probably shouldn’t rely on getting into one specific UC.</p>
<p>^^^ Good thinking. Plus the cost savings. Delaying your UC goal for two years to get your GPA up is not a big deal in the long run.</p>
<p>I like Dunboyne’s suggestion about community college, but let me recommend an out-of-state university to you that attracts lots of kids from California; South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. Considering your grades it’s very likely you will be admitted. All of SDSM&T’s engineering departments have very good reputations nationally. Tuition at SDSM&T is relatively low. Career placement at SD Mines is excellent. </p>