I am applying to colleges later this year in the fall as a transfer student. I am applying during my third year at CC, originally because I was a bio major and the pre-reqs for that major typically takes three years to complete before transfer. I have taken most pre-reqs like calc and some chemistry and bio. However, recently I have decided to change my major from Biology to Cognitive Science B.S. I am taking the pre-reqs for that major for UCLA this summer and fall (the fall that I am applying), so I am not sure if UCLA will even see my grades for those pre-reqs. Im not even sure if they’d consider me since I’m a third year transfer and barely taking those pre-reqs for the new major last minute. I don’t have an outstanding 4.0 GPA, I have 3.5 so idek if UCLA will consider me.
I am guaranteed admission to several UCs including UCI through the TAG program, but am given only priority for UCLA. I really want to go to UCLA. How can I stand out as a transfer student? Do I have to rely on essays and ECs since my GPA is low? Will they even see my grades for fall for my pre-reqs for the new major?
UC transfers will submit a TAU (Transfer application update) in January with Fall grades so yes they will consider your Fall grades. UC’s accept up to 70 semester/105 quarter units for transfer and it does not matter how many years you have been at a CC as long you will have the major prep and GE transfer requirements completed by Spring prior to matriculation.
For pre-cognitive science at UCLA, the admit GPA is 3.74-3.94. Its way less competitive compared to other majors like psychology and biology, and admits more people. If I apply with a 3.5 GPA (lower than the admit GPA) would I need to rely on other factors to be accepted
UCLA will consider all parts of your application but GPA and major prep will be most important. Definitely TAG to another UC as a backup. UCLA should be considered a Reach regardless.
Do you think applying with a 3.5 GPA as a pre-cognitive science major gives me better chances to be accepted compared to applying with a 3.5 GPA as a biology major?
Admit GPA ranges for either major are similar and your GPA is below the 25th percentile so the best major for application would be the one you prefer to study.
not to sound annoying but I am taking a hard 5 credit class (calc 2) and if I get a B (which I will), my GPA only drop. Should I just petition for this class for a pass/no pass so that it doesnt drop my gpa? Or keep the B in calc 2. I had gotten an A in calc 1
If your college has an honors program with UCLA, join it ASAP. A 3.5 GPA and applying to Cognitive Science isn’t going to cut it, even if your essays are written by God.
And don’t get so attached to UCLA. Sure, the student body may be a bit better quality, profs will be better at research in their field, and it’s in LA, but it’s still a UC, which means the resources per student will be similar to other UCs.
There are no guarantees, no matter how many times you try to rephrase the question. No one on this website can guarantee that you will receive better chances with any specific major.
UCLA is a reach for everyone.
The UC’s are good schools. If you can get in, you’ll receive a good education.
(Oh, and if you’re trying for the med school, the UC’s aren’t the best place to do undergrad. Competition is fierce. Classes are large.)
The UC’s will see ALL of your grades. Make sure you haven’t gone over in units.
A 3.5 is a great GPA, but for UCLA, the threshold is a little higher, especially for the sciences. Did you look at the UCLA transfer thread?
You’re asking for people to say that you are getting in for sure. No one can tell you that. All you can do is apply.
so idek if UCLA will consider me.