<p>I've been attending a CC in LA since last fall, and currently have a 3.7 GPA. My top two choices are UCLA or UCSB as an International Relations major.</p>
<p>However, I have a nightmare transcript from another CC. I had a 2.8 GPA there. </p>
<p>This is what has prevented me from getting accepted into the Honors Program/TAP, as well as making my dream of getting into a UC an unrealistic one.</p>
<p>A counselor who seemed eager for me to transfer out advised me to apply to Cal States this fall, and that "the name of the school isn't always the most important, you don't want to be here an additional year, it's the same degree in the end, etc."</p>
<p>Another counselor who is with the Honors Program encouraged me to power through and stay at CC for another year to boost up my GPA, get accepted into the Honors Program, and apply for UCs in the fall of 2015.</p>
<p>A part of me gets overwhelmed with the thought of being at this CC for TWO more years but at the same time, my heart was set on getting into a UC and I don't know if I am going to regret "settling" for a Cal State. </p>
<p>Opinions would be greatly appreciated, thank you.</p>
<p>Did you have any Ds or Fs at your old cc? Have you looked into academic renewal? You could probably get that done by the time applications come around, if that’s an option.</p>
<p>If you are unable to change those grades, it kind of depends on what your overall GPA will be this fall, and what it could potentially be by next year. Generally, I think going to a UC is well worth the wait though, and that first counselor didn’t know what he/she was talking about. The name of the school definitely maters for a lot of things, although I don’t really know much about your major.</p>
<p>I have a 2.0 gpa right now after 37.5 units and 4 F’s. If I do an academic renewal, can I erase those F’s to boost my gpa up so I can apply to colleges? </p>
<p>Since you have only 37.5 units I would retake the Ds and Fs to get them out the way quick to save time. </p>
<p>Academic renewal is definitely
something to take advantage. Yes it varies from CC to CC so you should contact your counselor to see if you meet the requirements. </p>
<p>You remind me of myself a year ago so I’ll share my little story:</p>
<p>Personally it helped me get into UCLA. I went from having a 1.8 (working two jobs), and subsequently, and sadly, getting disqualified from SMC in Jan 2013, to getting admitted to UCLA for Fall 2014 with a 3.6x. I had two options: either drop out or get my act together. Story made simple: I got straight A’s after being disqualified PLUS getting Academic Renewal. It can be done. It was tough but you can do it. I was even working a retail job (shout out to all my peeps down at Kmart lol) but found myself going to sleep at 4 or 5 am bc I wanted to go to UCLA. </p>
<h1>shoutout to all the counselors that didn’t believe in me</h1>
<p>Lastly, I don’t think I would be where I am if it wasn’t for the tremendous amount of knowledge that exists in these transfer forums and I am forever grateful for this community. Thank you everyone. </p>
<p>@Jlop205 Your story gives me hope and inspiration. I am also very grateful for the community in these forums. Here is my thread concerning my academic renewal and application to UC’s and CSU’s.</p>
<p>@mvara742
What is your IR focus, if any? What do you plan to do with an IR degree? Do you plan to attend grad school?</p>
<p>The best undergrad IR programs in CA are UCB, UCLA, UCSD, Stanford, and USC (not in that order). And unless there has been changes, IR is a Political Science degree at UCB and UCLA. </p>
<p>If you plan to attend grad school, where you receive your undergraduate degree is not as important as where you attend grad school. If you do not attend grad school, the name of your undergrad alma mater may help open doors, but after a few years, the quality of work experience will trump school name. </p>