<p>I posted this in the UC Transfers section, but the ucla notifications are too big of news for it to be noticed:</p>
<p>I am in a rather strange situation, and if possible, would like some insight as to what is considered a reasonable course of action:</p>
<p>I currently attend a mid-tier UC where I am very happy with my academic department (engineering), just not the general lifestyle I am surrounded by. One of my dreams has always been to study abroad, and I have applied (and been accepted to) my top choice program. Unfortunately (in hindsight), I also filed a UC-UC transfer application to cal and ucla. I have been accepted by UCLA, but I would prefer to follow through with my study abroad program. I am now worried, however, about the precarious situation I might be in should I be accepted by cal in the coming two weeks.</p>
<p>In an ideal world, I would like to go abroad as planned, and return to cal for my senior year. My department have been great to me, and closely worked together with me to carve out a study abroad program to suit my needs. Is it wrong to essentially say "see-ya" and switch over to another school? I feel guilty about it, but at the same time I have been paying them $12k+/year for their assistance and services. I don't want to burn any bridges, as I genuinely like my program here, but I am just trying to secure what is ultimately best for me in the future... and cal's engineering program is one of the world's best. I don't know what the precedent is for these sorts of situations, and the general rules of courtesy that should be applied. Another factor is the withdrawal deadline imposed by EAP, which rather cheekily fines you $1000 if you withdraw after April 30... the day before cal's decisions. Just to clarify, if I choose not to attend cal (or am rejected), I will certainly be going abroad.</p>
<p>If anyone could please offer some advice or prior experience, it would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>There is nothing morally wrong in transferring, or applying for transfer. Put that thought away.</p>
<p>But… there may be requirements that transfer students enroll for the semester they’re admitted. There are often also “residency” requirements – you have to earn a certain number of units at the school (UCLA, in this case) in order to get the degree from that school. Sometimes this is referred to as “units in residence” – it has nothing to do with whether or not you’re a California resident. Some study abroad programs may count towards residency, but many don’t. I’d first figure out how many units you’re required to complete in order to get a UCLA diploma, and go from there. Could your study abroad program defer your enrollment until spring? Is it a program approved by UCLA?</p>
<p>Sorry if I was unclear, I actually don’t plan on attending ucla. It’s only an issue if I get into berkeley.</p>
<p>The study abroad program is berkeley approved (it’s through EAP, so UC-wide approved), but it’s a year-long program, so it can’t be deferred. I know the residency requirement at my school only requires 30 of the final 45 units to be at the home university, and that you may petition for an exception.</p>
<p>The study abroad issues I think I can work out on my own, it was mainly the ‘moral’ question I was concerned with. As you advised, I will try to put that to rest… I’m just having a hard time wrapping my head around it, so to speak.</p>
<p>Studying abroad for a year > graduating from Cal
no doubt about that, since its a mid tier UC, I am assuming UCSB or UCI which are both still good schools. also since I think you are probably going to grad school, apply to Cal then or any other school you were thinking about. </p>
<p>About the moral issue, yeah it will suck to leave them but they won’t be heart broken. It is their job to help out with having students study abroad and they will understand you are going to a great school.<br>
I would say call Cal and tell them your dilemma and see what they say, maybe they will let you come senior year!</p>