<p>Hello i am currently a ccc student looking to transfer to ucb or ucla as an art history major in fall 2015. I will be done with my prereqs and igetc this semester and have maintained a strong gpa. </p>
<p>The question I have is that Ucb has a requirement for undergrad art history students to take at least one studio art course. Because of that i am taking a basic drawing course right now but the problem is that i havent drawn anything before in my life and might end up with a bad grade. Do you think it is a good idea to take the course as a pass or no pass? I am saying this because on the ucb website it says that it may be taken as a p/np course. However i do not know whether this applies to transfer students. I really want to grad school so i need to maintain my gpa. If you guys do not know do you know anyone that i can contact to get some advice? I really hope it doesn't hinder my chances if i take it as a p/np. </p>
<p>^On page 7 of this PDF document, it is stated that UC Berkeley doesn’t accept major classes for credit if they’re taken pass/no pass. Perhaps UC Berkeley allows those who got in from high school to take the class pass/no pass for the major, but for transfer applicants, this option is not available. And I don’t think graduate school looks very kindly on pass/no pass grades.</p>
<p>My advice is to just do your best in the course and at least try to get a C, if not a B or greater. If it’s any consolation, art history isn’t a very selective major at UC Berkeley because it’s in the Arts and Humanities division at that school, and that division is generally quite a bit easier to get into than the other academic divisions.</p>
<p>If your portfolio is strong in the area of your focus, I’m sure you will be fine. But if you’re art history, you won’t have a portfolio, right? </p>
<p>It’s probably more to get a feel for technique is why they want you to take it. And I’m sure the art teacher gives everyone at least a B for effort. (Go abstract is my advice, haha…)</p>
<p>Cayton is right. I verified with a counselor a couple weeks back that p/np for major prereqs is a really bad idea. She was an honors transfer counselor, speaking on behalf of all UCs. IGETC is a different story, but definitely don’t do it for a major prereq.</p>
<p>What you can do, is email the professor in question and let him know your dilemma. Some professors grade on talent, some on progress and determination, some on both. I once asked a question similar for another professor (not art) and he was frank and honest about the way he grades. I’m sure your proph will do the same here. You’re not the first person in this dilemma and your proph will be aware of this.</p>
<p>Thank you for quick and thoughtful responses. I’ve decided to just take a letter grade. The professor expressed that he grades both on effort and skill and said that about 40% of class receives an a. Hopefully I will be in the 40 percent</p>
<p>@Cayton Though I am only now posting I’ve been lurking in the thread for some time. I am a big fan of your “work” (posts). Hope you have a hella time at UCLA. I love logic as well. </p>