Hello everyone,
I am looking to transfer to UCSD in the fall of 2016. I am currently at a very small private liberal arts college (semesters) with about 75 credits (completed as of right this second) for a B.A in Psychology. The reason why I am transferring is because I am looking to pursue a career Applied Behavioral Analysis and I realized upon interviewing a grad school that a B.A isn’t getting me where I need to be in order to get into a Masters program.
Stats:
GPA: 3.15 (without my current classes and future classes calculated into that, after completing this semester and the next 2 semester it should raise to about a 3.5.) (I failed a Russian Language class my first semester of college because I ended up in the hospital. I have about 3 C’s and the rest of my class are all A’s and B’s)
I currently don’t have any math or science classes completed besides a Stats and Research Methods class (I also have a Microeconomics class but I am not sure how it would apply) however in the next year I look to take: Pre-Calc, Calc I, Basic Chem, Bio: Genetics, and a Computer Programming class.
Relevant Psych Courses: Intro to Western Psychology (Psych 101), Cognitive Psych, Personality Theories, Stats and Research Methods, Advanced Research Practicum: Meta-Cognition, Child Development: Infants and Toddlers, Buddhist Psychology I
Any advice on what I should take prior to applying or within the next year that would make my application strong? I have great recs, and have never had an issue with my essays so I am not concerned about those aspects as much but any advice will help!
There’s no harm in applying but, i’d encourage you to explore other options. UCSD has become really selective. and, as part of its charter, the bulk of transfers come from CCs in California. Even if you are able to pull your GPA to a 3.5 - i don’t think that will be sufficient.
For something like Psych, how about a CSU like Long Beach?
What if I transferred to a CC in California? I will do what it takes to get into this program. I am not concerned with taking however many years it takes to get into the program I want. So no I am not considering any other school.
I will also be a full paying out of state tuition student. Will they take in to consideration that I am not asking for any financial aid or scholarship.
sorry to reply so many times, but I also don’t understand why someone from a 4 year private university is considered less likely to get in than someone from a 2 year CC? I should also mention that my GPA at my current college (not counting the college I went to my first year) is a 3.57 it’s obvious on my transcripts that I had a very rough first year (due to my heart condition and being in and out of the ER) If I write about that in my Personal Statement will it be helpful? I will also be taking all of my math and science classes at a State College here in Colorado, which is also a 4 year university.
@MLM I understand that aspect. I talked to an admission councilor and transferring to a CC in Cali is not possible for me because I’d need to complete 30 credits there and I am already at 75, which 90 is the limit. I am trying to understand exactly how do I improve my chances with what I already have and intend to take. I also found out I can retake the Russian language class and swap my F out for a better grade, so I will be doing that which should increase my GPA past a 3.5
UCs, CSUs and CCs all work together to map students a smooth and expeditious path to graduation. Tools like Assist.org and programs like TAG give CA student the exact courses they need to make the jump (and still many are rejected due to limited space)
The UC system is heavily subsidized by CA tax payers and is in place to serve primarily CA residents. They work in concert with CA CCs to accommodate as many transfers from their ranks as possible. As bountiful as CA is, there simply isn’t enough money and there aren’t enough chairs to accommodate a significant load of OOS transfer students into our top institutions.
Practically, there are too many schools outside the state to line up Chem 127 from Podunk U with Chem 009 from UCSD. This has to be done by hand for each applicant. Also - recently the UC system took some flak for admitting too many OOS/international students - while limiting residents seats. We (the taxpayers with highschoolers) weren’t amused.
Since you’ve already got 75 of the 120 required for your typical BS - why not stay put, or transfer to public school in your state. You can come here for grad school.