switching to comm studies???

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Los Angeles
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<p>Oops..I apologize for posting this information is the "switching to comm" thread. What I meant when I posted saying, "there is room for about 80 students" I meant this: Of the 800 people or so transfer students that apply as comm majors, only 150 make the cut of having a 3.5 gpa and IGETC certification. Of those 150 comm transfer hopefuls, only about 80 are accepted. Basically, if you fit the requirements of 3.5 and IGETC certified, you are really only competing against 150 people instead of 800. </p>

<p>As far as getting a meeting with an admissions rep from UCLA..it was sheer luck. I happened to find out around campus at my CCC that it was transfer day. I called the transfer center and found out a UCLA rep was on campus for a couple hours, but only by appointment..of course, all the appointment were booked. He told me to just show up and I might be able to see him in-between various appointments. Luckily, right when I got there, someone just cancelled and I was able to talk with him.</p>

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<p>Sorry about all the "him"s. Might be a little confusing to follow :)</p>

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<p>Keep in mind that the 3.5 is an absolute minimum. Like I said previously, a 3.8 is considered safe (well not safe, but as safe as a comm transfer could be, since its pretty random). But it depends entirely on the applicant pool the year you are applying. </p>

<p>So yeah. Lots of people will apply who don't have a 3.5, and then of those who do, they'll take the top 75 or 80 gpas. Big rumor is that they don't look at essays or ECs. Based on other transfers I know, I'd say this is pretty right on. They just make sure you have the classes done and then they just skim the top gpas. </p>

<p>And no, a 3.79 isn't a 3.8. But because the 3.8 is a loose guideline, I'd say it'd be ok. Just depends on the other gpas you applied with. Oh and no, meeting with a rep bears no advantage for admission, especially because Comm makes decisions apart from the rest of the school and would never know you did so. </p>

<p>Oh and even though it went well, take what the rep said with a grain of salt. Not to discourage you or anything bc Im sure you'll be fine if you have the classes and grades, but I spoke to several reps during my transfer progress. Most of the stuff they said to me about my chances and about applying to comm was either far-fetched or just plain wrong (and generally really negative). </p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

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<p>Haha allie that's funny you said that because I actually met with a ucla rep last year, like in september when I was still thinking about applying as a comm major. The counceler pretty much told me I had absolutely no chance (under 3.5) and that if I wanted to go to ucla that badly I should choose another major. I'm actually glad she was blunt about it or else I would have applied and still be thinking I have a chance.
Are you a current comm major there? And is it really all it's cracked out to be? I ask bc although I've taken many comm classes and it's what I enjoy, I ended up applying as a global studies major which sounded cool bc i'm interested in culture,etc etc. But I'm starting to wonder if I'll actually enjoy that major being that it's so much more cut and dry(since it's a social science). What do you think, is there an ultimate major you'd suggest, or maybe do you know of anyone who's in gs and enjoys it?</p>

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<p>Allie, do you go to UCLA currently? How would you know, unless you were rejected, that meeting with reps from UCLA did not help you? I'm not trying to attack you, but some of the things you posted are somewhat inconsistant. You say, "a 3.8 is considered safe (well not safe, but as safe as a comm transfer could be, since its pretty random)." then go on to say, "Big rumor is that they don't look at essays or ECs." If you are admitted simply for having the highest gpa, then I would think comm transfer admitties are not "pretty random" but perfectly consistant. I cannot imagine a school like UCLA would admit students into any program only because of a number. Why would they even ask for a personal essay? In addition, I read all these threads of people who had relatively low gpas who get in...so obviously there are other factors involved...I am certain communications studies at UCLA is not different.</p>

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<p>.yellow.- </p>

<p>I had reps tell me that I had no chance with OVER a 3.8. It's good that your rep did give you some guidance. I found that, at least with the one's I spoke to, they were largely unhelpful. Yeah, I'm a current comm major. Is it all it's cracked up to be? Well, I guess. I really, really love the department (very small) and I honestly couldn't see myself doing anything else. I can't really suggest a different major because it's a really personal thing. However, if you're still interested in comm, definitely take some classes (there are some that are open to non-majors). Also, if there's a specific field you're interested in, try to find an extra curricular that helps you get practical experience (which are generally open to any major). For instance, do AdTeam if you're interested in advertising or DB if you're interested in journalism. There are lots of ways to pursue comm-related stuff without being in the major (this really goes for any field). </p>

<p>Tallkell-</p>

<p>Yeah, I go to UCLA currently. I know that meeting with reps has no bearing on admissions because they've told me so themselves. They don't keep a list or anything of people they've spoken to...they're there solely to guide you and offer insight, reassurance, etc. Also, because comm does admissions seperately (literally....the take all of the applications that come into the main office for comm and bring them to their own office), there's no chance that the comm person reading your app would have any interaction with the rep you spoke to. </p>

<p>I meant random in a colloquial sense. You're right, their method is pretty consistant. However, like I stated previously, the level of the bar is determined by the group of applicants. One year there could be a ton of 4.0s, and another year maybe no one applying has a 4.0. It's random in that you don't know your competition and you don't know where you stand among the others.</p>

<p>They ask for an essay because that's standard for a UC application. While comm conducts admissions seperately (for various reasons), they're still a part of the college and they use the college app. HOWEVER, because they have sovereignty over the applications they receive, they are able to determine their own standards for reviewal. </p>

<p>I know that it's hard to believe that they make decisions based off of numbers...but I don't know what to tell you. Other people around here most definitely have been accepted with low gpas. Those people weren't applying to comm, though, and comm is an ENTIRELY different game. And really, I'm sure a very, very select few have been admitted to comm with below a 3.8 due to whatever circumstances, but it's not the norm and I would never want to lead someone to believe that it is. Comm is very cut and dry with what they want. High Grades. Course Completion. This is because space is extremely limited and they only want people who they know will succeed in the program. The weight of ECs is debateable. I'd say that if they demonstrated a strong commitment to the field, then possibly, but otherwise no. </p>

<p>Ultimately, do I know for sure that they don't look at essays? No, of course not. But I DO know the department's standards and I know the quality of other accepted Comm majors. If they do, in fact, consider essays, I would still say that they bear little, if any, weight on their decisions. And also, I'd like to add that I actually really HATE that they only admit based on grades. I've encountered a lot of comm kids who can barely string along a sentence but who had high CC grades so they got in. It sucks, but it's the way it is.</p>

<p>/Sorry for the novella. Lots to cover.</p>

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<p>so how would you double major?</p>

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<p>Thanks for that detailed reply, allie. You're right about doing extra curriculars in the feild because I've already actually done a few and I know how much you can get from that. I just don't want to get stuck in a major that I don't like and wont really do anything with. Well, I guess I'll just have to wait and see first if I get in (haha) and then when I'm there, get a feel for my major.</p>

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<p>Yellow..are you a comm major at UCLA? I have already been accepted into the comm program at UCSD and UCSB. Just curious if you are not a comm major at UCLA..which program you are in. </p>

<p>Allie..thanks for replying. Are you a comm major? I see what you are saying, it's just so disappointing because I completely have my heart set on UCLA comm. I will be SO dissappointed if I don't get in. Thanks for your advice..I guess all I can do is wait and see if my 3.79 is good enough.</p>

<p>P.S. The "profile of admitted students" on the UCLA website says the average GPA for comm majors at LA is a 3.87. So..obviously there are the same number of gpa's lower as higher.</p>

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<p>Yeah, I'm a comm major. I'd never give advice about something I haven't been through and researched before. </p>

<p>Like I said previously, the 3.8 is a guideline. Usually people will say "if you have a 3.8 and above you should be ok". And while a 3.79 isnt a 3.8 (as in it won't be rounded up), it's close enough that it shouldn't make a difference. Just depends on the app pool. </p>

<p>And yeah, I know how much it sucks to wait for UCLA. I was accepted into SB, SD, and USC and all I cared about was LA. It really is a great program once you're in it, but the waiting sucks. </p>

<p>It's funny, too, because EVERYONE thinks that comm majors are slackers and dumb, but most of us needed higher gpas just to get into the program than they'll ever see on their own DPR. Though I will say that while it's incredibly hard to get in, once you are it's very easy to succeed.</p>

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<p>Yes..the wait TOTALLY sucks! Was the wait worth it though..is it all you thought it would be? </p>

<p>Thanks for making me feel ok about my 3.79..I wish it was higher. :-( It's unfortunate though because I started my CC after being out of school for several years, so the 3 B's I received, 2 were the first semester and one the second semester. I have had nothing by A's since last summer. I'm hoping that might make me look better. Gosh..I am crazy obsessed with getting in!! lol</p>