Let me explain. I am a physics major with a 3.4 GPA and 3.32 Major GPA. My last 2 semesters GPA were 3.72 and 3.80
I’ve finished all my pre-reqs but am two class away from finishing my IGETC (Critical thinking + Humanities). I couldn’t get those classes in my local CC, but am currently driving to another CC and go to both colleges in order to satisfy the IGETC requirement.
Obviously this is a hassle and the only school that requires the IGETC to be done is Cal. I want to ask if I even have a chance at that school and whether it’s worth the struggle I’m going through. If there’s even a 20% chance of getting accepted, these trips would be worth it. Also, should I have the IGETC completed anyway for the other UC’s? Any advice?
@nidalee There is always a chance. I cannot tell you if it’s above or below 20%, but as I mentioned in some other threads, UCs may surprise you.
If you don’t mind me asking, was there a reason for such a drop in gpa? 3.4 sounds a bit low for Berkley, but if you can bring it back up to 3.8, you will be a very competitive candidate.
Most UC schools do not require IGETC, but strongly recommend it (unless you have major prep that is more important). It definitely will not hurt you, and given that you are only 2 classes away, it makes sense to get it done. I too have to take classes in 2 different campuses (both are 20 mi away), so I understand the hassle, but I think it’s worth it. Plus, you only have 1 semester left (assuming you applied for fall 2016). It’s only for what, another 4 months? It will be over before you know it.
For context, in 2014, the average applied GPA for UCLA’s Physics program was a 3.47, with a 3.72 average admitted GPA. The average admit rate seems to be around 45% consistently. I can’t imagine Cal’s being much further off - 3.7-3.75 seems accurate. Keep in mind, they like upward trends. While the odds are certainly against you, I don’t think getting accepted into Cal is as unrealistic as you seem to believe. 20%? Eh, maybe. Probably more like 10-15. You still have a shot, but your low major GPA might hurt you (although they don’t look at major GPA, technically).
Full IGETC will make your life much easier after you transfer. You can also complete breadth, which may or may not be possible in your situation (I don’t know which classes you’ve taken, so I don’t know). I recommend going for the ful
Why not take the classes online instead? I’m sure various CC’s offer them. I’m taking a class online at Footthill College, on the quarter system, and I’m sure you could find the classes you need there (or at De Anza) - taking one of the two for the Winter quarter (now - March 25) and then taking another in the Spring quarter (April 4 - June 24) would probably be very manageable.
If the median and the average are the same, a 45% admit rate would roughly mean that UCLA would be accepting down to a GPA of 3.5 (at a 50% admit rate they would be accepting down to a 3.47). So don’t be scared of that 3.72 average.
As a non-engineering, “hard” science major, IGETC will make graduating in two years much easier regardless of campus for you. IMHO, it’s financially worth it to complete it prior to transferring and free up free units at your eventual UC for other endeavors.
@lenocturne There was no reason. I consistently had about 20 semester units and was initially overwhelmed, but learned to cope with it. There’s no way my GPA can reach 3.8. I have over 80 semester units.
@goldencub Thx for the advice. I already have the classes locked down (barely got them), and did not want to take the chance on whether I would be able to register for them later on at another CC.