<p>Current CC student. I am looking to transfer to UCB, CalPolySLO, UCLA, UCSD, or UCI as an EECS/Computer Engineering major. Also considering Civil engineering. I have scoured assist.org and am on track to have 100% of the CC equivalent lower divisions done for both possible majors (the requirements are actually almost the same for the two majors) at all the mentioned colleges. Thing is, it's going to take me another 4 semesters (not including this one) to complete all these. I have no problem putting in my time and getting things done, I'm patient, but I'm currently in my 6th semester. </p>
<p>This is because for the first three semesters I was really uncertain what I wanted to major in and consulted only my IGETC as a guide, taking a number of humanities courses instead of getting cracking on the math/physics/chem/statics, immediately. But like I said I've been on the right track save for the first 3 semesters, and my GPA has remained decent.</p>
<p>My question is this: Although I know it probably varies by college, will the mentioned colleges look extremely unfavorably at at a student that took 10 semesters to complete 100% of the lower-divisions even if I've been a full-time student the whole time?</p>
<p>Other info: GPA is currently 3.6 and I see it becoming a 3.7 around application time. Also am doing honors program and have IGETC (not that those really matter as much for my major).</p>
<p>Also, I'll have around 120 units after completing all requirements, about 40 of which are non-transferable/things irrelevant to my major. I understand they will only take 70.</p>
<p>As long as your GPA is strong and free of an abundance of W's and repeated courses, you are fine. Many students have changed majors and taken more than 4 semesters to meet all the requirements.</p>
<p>jamsd, as has been pointed out, the short answer to your question is: NO. Both the UCs and CSUs (including Berkeley and UCLA) WILL NOT penalize you or look unfavorably on you for having taken so long. I know this for a fact because I got it from the horse's mouth, so to speak (read it either on UCB or UCLA website somewhere - don't recall exactly where). The MOST IMPORTANT criteria for them is your GPA, and (in their own words) completion of lower division prerequisites. I can't tell you how many thousands of times I've seen this particular aspect stressed in different places (from ASSIST.org to the websites). Additionally, the personal statement/essay is also very important it seems (for UCLA and Berkeley). Thankfully, UCSD does not take this aspect into consideration.</p>
<p>I strongly advise you to complete ALL pre-requisites, no matter how long it takes, in order to make yourself ultra-competitive for admission!!!. I, myself, am an Electrical Engineering major and am applying to UCB (1st choice) and UCLA, as well as Cal State Long Beach. I've been here at El Camino since Fall of 2006 and will have completed about 92 units by the end of spring 2010 (when I plan to transfer). I would also have been here at ELCO for 4 full years!!!. </p>
<p>Although, what I've stated above pretty much holds true, there is one slight disadvantage that you have to take into account. However, this is something that we have no control over. As California is facing drastic budget cuts, it looks like the UCs are taking extreme measures to reduce enrollment etc. So, the competition is probably going to get really tough the longer you wait. In my case, I could've taken some short cuts (eliminating courses, including some "strongly recommended" ones) and applied this year (since next year will most likely be much more competitive). I would only have met the very "minimum" requirements doing this. However, in the end I decided that it was far more important to complete ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING!!....even the so called "strongly recommended" courses.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for the input guys. Glad to know I won't be penalized for putting in the time necessary to get this sequence of Math and Physics finished. The budget cuts are definitely a shame though.</p>
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Also, I'll have around 120 units after completing all requirements, about 40 of which are non-transferable/things irrelevant to my major. I understand they will only take 70.
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<p>Although only 70 units will transfer, they will give you "subject credit" for the other courses that are "transferable" (they don't have to be relevant to your major, but as long as they fulfill that particular UC's "general ed" requirements for EE, you'll get credit). For instance, if you have fulfilled some of the Arts/Humanities, Social Sciences etc. requirements for graduation, some of the courses you have already completed may not be a waste after all!! This will enable you to graduate faster, once you transfer</p>