Physics Transfer to Cal, UCLA, and UCSD: General Ed Track?

Transfer Students UC Transfers
1

<p>I just graduated from high school and need to submit a fall semester course outline for the Fall at my community college. </p>

<p>Cal's 7-course Breadth</p>

<p>IGETC</p>

<p>or just the minimum UC transfer requirements? (2 english, 1 math, 4 courses in at least 2 subjects of arts&humanities, social&behavioral, life and physical sciences)</p>

<p>I know Cal and UCLA stress the importance of completing the major pre-reqs first, and physics has a lot of those. Also, those schools mention that IGETC isn't ideal for someone majoring in a physical science. But I don't know which general education track would be best for me to take. Realistically, I don't think ill be able to fully complete Cal's 7-course breadth or IGETC in 2 years, but I can complete the minimum requirements. </p>

<p>Would the minimum requirements be close to completing IGETC or the 7 course breadth? Should I attempt IGETC? Are my admissions chances negatively affected by not completing the 7 course breadth or IGETC before transferring, or will they understand that it's difficult for a physical science major to complete all of the requirements?</p>

<p>Also, would it look bad if I took 2 years of Japanese instead of trying to take more of the other IGETC/7breadth courses? Technically I can test out of the foreign language requirement because of my AP scores, but I've always wanted to learn Japanese and college is a great chance to learn it. Would they look down on me for wanting to pursue my interests instead of attempting to complete every single IGETC/7Breadth course or would they find it admirable that I pursued a passion/interest?</p>

<p>How strict are they with prospective physics majors on general education requirements?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>To answer your in a nutshell: Admissions takes into consideration that it is harder to complete IGETC requiremets for physical sciences.</p>

<p>Here is the list in order of priority:</p>

<p>1) Complete the following course pattern requirements, earning a grade of C or better in each course:</p>

<p>Two transferable college courses (3 semester or 4-5 quarter units each) in English composition
One transferable college course (3 semester or 4-5 quarter units) in mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning;
Four transferable college courses (3 semester or 4-5 quarter units each) chosen from at least two of the following subject areas:
a) the arts and humanities
b) the social and behavioral sciences
c) the physical and biological sciences</p>

<p>note: Each course must be worth at least 3 semester units.</p>

<p>2) Major Prep Work: The amount of major prep work as well as GPA are the primary academic indicator of acceptance.</p>

<p>3) IGETC is slightly less important for STEM majors… worst case scenario is that you have to take some GE course after transfering</p>

3

<p>@Dagoberto‌ thank you very much!</p>

<p>Is it possible to use AP scores to test out of some of those minimum UC requirements? </p>

4

<p>sometimes… you would have to talk to your counselor just to be sure…</p>