I’m wondering if taking a semester off from a CCC will affect my chances of getting into UCs. I applied for UCs this past fall, and will transfer in the fall of 2018. I have one semester between then and now and am currently enrolled in 3 classes. Prior to this semester I have already completed my prerequisites, surpassed the 60 transferable units needed, and have attained a great GPA. Because I don’t need anymore classes to transfer and am enrolled in random classes that have nothing to do with my major I have no motivation for this upcoming semester. If I take this semester off right before I transfer will this affect my chances of getting into schools? Thanks!
In the TAU update note there are no spring classes and say you have completed all requirements, need money and will work that term. The only places it might affect you is (1) if you TAG’d UCD, and/or (2) the last regular year term needs to be at a CCC for priority CCC consideration. So it will benefit you to have the equivalent of a solid year (spring 2017-fall 2017) under your belt. However, neither disqualifies you for transfer. You would either lose UCD TAG and move into regular pool, or you could lose the priority consideration that a CCC affords you if you’re short the full term, which really may or may not amount to much.
I’m in a similar situation. I’ve finished all my classes and don’t have any more prereqs to fulfill. I called a few admissions offices and asked if it was okay if I took a semester off since I’ve taken all the classes I need to take, and they said it was fine.
If the schools say it is okay, then do it. Make sure to watch your student loan grace periods. Most will trigger to ‘repayment’ status in the summer and you have to tell them you are still in school. You may have to pay 2-3 months of interest (or roll it over)
I asked a Berkeley transfer counselor the same question (I have everything I need completed) and she said going under full time enrollment, regardless of the fact that I have everything I need done, could harm my chances of admission. If you have special circumstances it might be worth inquiring. My classes are pretty interesting st least, although useless lol. Take an art class!