One Year Transfer Student? Is it possible?

Transfer Students
1

Hi. So I currently go to SMU in Dallas, Texas but absolutely hate it here. I was also recently informed that I will have to pay for my tuition by myself, and I am currently paying 22k per semester. I want to transfer to a CC and then transfer to UCLA, but I am scared the UC’s won’t like that I left a four-year. I have over 45.5 AP/IB credits, so I think I would be able to transfer to a UC by next fall. I will have some of the prereqs for Econ done by this fall, but will still have some to complete in the Spring. My ACT score was a 33 and I got a 3.6 GPA in high school, so my grades weren’t terrible. I am projected to get a 4.0 this semester in 18 units.

2

If you attend a California CC and meet certain requirements based on your intended major, you are eligible for guaranteed transfer admission at all of the UCs (except LA and Berkeley.) If you cannot afford SMU, then I would recommend transferring as soon as possible to a California CC in-order to apply to TAG.

UC TAG: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/admission-requirements/transfer-requirements/transfer-admission-guarantee-tag.html

I am not familiar with UCLA’s Transfer Admissions process, as it is a competitive process and not eligible for TAG. @Gumbymom is familiar with UC undergraduate admissions and may be able to provide some advice.

3

So, you’re a California resident?

If so, you can definitely return to CA, enroll in a CCC, and transfer from there. If you have good grades, the fact of having left SMU won’t hurt you for UC transfer admissions. Look into the honors program at the CC’s you’re considering - those programs are particularly helpful for students hoping to transfer to non-TAG UC campuses and programs.

4

UC’s take Junior level transfers so 60 semester/ 90 quarter units by Spring prior to matriculation. HS grades and test scores are not considered.

If you are a CA resident, then returning to California and attending a CC will help get you to your goal. If you apply now for Fall 2021 as an OOS applicant, you would have the lowest priority for transfer.

What is your current GPA at SMU? Have you checked the transferability of the SMU courses?

The UC transfer admit GPA range was 3.89-4.00 with a 12% admit rate.

I would not rush the transfer process and try to complete all Econ requirements prior to transfer to put yourself in a better position.

UCLA has TAP which gives your priority for transfer and the link below lists CC’s that participate in this program.

https://www.admission.ucla.edu/Prospect/Adm_tr/ADM_CCO/tap.htm

Best of luck.