Exactly how important is work experience for transfer students? Is it necessary if you’re taking full time classes and participating in student clubs? Two admissions officers have mentioned it to me but they would not explain the extent to which it matters and circumstances where it might not be necessary. Anyone have any experience with this issue that they could share?
@SterlingAesir Work experience is especially important if you are a borderline student. Regardless, you should try to maintain a job or some sort of extracurricular activity. Even one thing is better than none. I’m a full-time student, but I work two jobs. I also volunteer regularly. The transfer advisor for UC Berkeley at my school told me that work experience, especially one relevant to your major, will give you a huge advantage. First, it will give you something to write about in your personal statement. Second, it will make you well-rounded. With that said, four of my close friends were accepted to Cal last year as transfer students without any work experience. They had near perfect GPAs tho. Get an internship during the summer of you don’t want to have a job during the regular semester.
@ccctransferuc I’m currently president of one club and an officer in another. My GPA is 3.957 and I will be taking a full time load of credits over the next two quarters. I ask because the admissions advisors I’ve spoken with have all recommended working in addition to my current responsibilities. I would like to find some opportunity that would offer me experience but positions related to my major seem to be out of reach for cc students or they are not possible with my schedule. I am applying to transfer this filing period also and summer has passed.
@SterlingAesir That’s really great! You are a very competitive applicant! I think you will do just fine. What’s your major? I’m pretty sure you’ll get in tho!