I am in CSULA right now and I want to major in Astronomy. I researched and found some really good Astronomy major colleges but I am not quite sure if I’m going to make it in since my GPA is just average.
I am just wondering what are my chances of getting into UCLA or UCSD and if my chances are low, what can I do to make it higher for the next time I want to try again?
What’s your GPA? Have you taken math and physics courses so far?
The average admitted GPA for the Astrophysics major at UCLA is roughly 3.6. You will also have to factor in the many prereqs. Check Assist.org or the major website to see what requirements you have filled. Some are recommended, but others are required. “To be considered for this major, you must complete at least one-and-a-half years of calculus with analytic geometry through multivariable and one year of calculus-based physics (mechanics, electricity, and magnetism) by the spring prior to transfer.”
For UCSD, you would have to essentially apply as a Physic major and pick up the Astrophysics specialization. UCSD isn’t the hardest UC to get into, but if you are missing some of the math prereqs they can be pretty brutal.
Have you considered SDSU? They are the only CSU or UC with a Astronomy B.S. degree. UCs are obviously great research schools, but SDSU is well respected. Not to mention, it would be much easier to transfer into.
There isn’t going to be any “try again”. You have to be entering your junior year in college (by units accumulated, not by years spent in college) to apply to a UC. If they turn you down, then you will have too many units the following year to be eligible to apply since they have rules against high-unit juniors or seniors applying for admission. If you were at a CCC you could earn as many units as you want, but since you are at a CSU any upper-division units you take are added to the ones you take lower-division. The sum will give you too many units.
How about the situation of CSU->CC->UC? I’m trying to to transfer to Davis as an International Relations major. I was a freshman at CSU Fresno and then dropped out to attend a CC. I’m a sophomore and is at the CC now. What are the odds?
it depends on your gpa, whether you’ve completed the major prep, and your personal statement, among other factors. See http://admissions.ucdavis.edu/admission/transfers/tr_selection_process.cfm probably would be a good idea to talk to a UC rep when they come to visit your campus, as well as an advisor at your xfer center
I left a CSU, did last summer at a CC and now at a CC during Fall, applying to the UCs. It’s been done a million times and will be done a million more. All it matters that you keep a competitive GPA, and all the classes your took at CSULA were lower divisions. Generally most Lower Divisions will transfer, and even one or two uppers. Seriously, just go to a CC, get the prereqs done, and take care of IGETC and you’ll get into some UC. I know people who got into Riverside with 2.9-3.1 GPAs. Yours can’t be that bad.