<p>So after a lot of thinking and going back in fourth between engineering, math and physics I think I want to transfer somewhere for Electrical Engineering and get a math minor, hopefully then go on to graduate school in engineering as well.
My current GPA is around a 3.18 for UC's</p>
<p>Fall 2013
Trigonometry C+ ( no uc transferable)
Art History B
US History B
Economics A-</p>
<p>Spring 2014
PreCalculus B
Philosophy A
Physical Anthropology C
English (freshman comp) B</p>
<p>I don't have a strong preference for any of the schools necessarily, except I am not interested in UCM ( don't like the area). I enjoy Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara and Irvine. But I am not really sure of my transfer chances of any of these schools. I don't have many extra curriculars. I am a low income student as well. </p>
<p>Planned courses </p>
<p>Fall 2014 (14 credits)
Calculus II
Physics I
English B</p>
<p>Spring 2015 (15 credits)
Calculus III
Linear Analysis ( dual Linear algebra and diffrential equations)
Physics !!</p>
<p>I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure you can’t find any Engineering major in the UC system that will allow your current GPA. It’s a heavily sought after major and most UC’s are looking for 3.6+. UCLA averaged a 3.9gpa last year for Electrical Engineer acceptance. Even if you got all A’s in those 6 upcoming courses, I still don’t think your GPA would be competitive in the UC system.</p>
<p>Maybe someone with experience in Engineering majors can give you better advice. I’ve just heard enough around here from Engineering majors to know, it’s a really competitive major. Good luck.</p>
<p>Do you have any idea where I would have a chance then? I am not completely opposed to CSU’s or out of states but I just want to make sure the school is more theory based and would be willing to offer me a lot of need based aid since I my family is in the lowest income bracket.</p>
<p>First thing first, do whatever it takes to show an upward trend by getting all A’s going forward. I think that alone would get you into just about any CSU you apply too. From what I could find online with basic ranking searches for the best CSU EE programs, they were ranked as: Cal Poly Pomona > CSULB > SDSU ></p>
<p>Should I wait to apply to schools for fall 2016? I was intending to start the application process this next fall so I could be in a school by fall 2015. I am willing to wait and drag out the courses, it just seems unnecessary.</p>
<p>I guess that depends on if the upcoming A’s you’re about to get through Fall will be reflected in the CSU application, or updates and will be considered for your admission. If yes, then there’s no reason to wait. If no, then sure, I would wait a year. You’ll have to start doing some research on your own here too.</p>
<p>I am still considering applied mathematics ( and then it is possible to apply to EE grad school) but I figured I would give EE a chance. Could I apply to all the schools as EE and then make applied math my back up major? I am sure I have better chances at UC’s with the applied math major.</p>
<p>Yeah, AM is a much better option with a low gpa. Still looking at a range of 3.3+ though to get into a UC, but much better chances. UCLA last year average was 3.6, fyi.</p>
<p>Hi @TheKracken I successfully transfered to a UC in the same major as you and plan to minor in math as well. I didn’t have the best GPA either. I had a 3.0 overall GPA and 3.20 UC GPA. I applied last year and will be attending UC Davis this fall. I applied to UCSC,UCD,UCSD,UCR,UCSB and UC Berkeley. To my surprise I got accepted to all of them except UC Berkeley which I figured even when I applied. I also applied to some CSUs SJSU, CPP, CPSLO I got into SJSU and CPP but not CPSLO which I figured as well. I was surprised that I actually had options to choose from. I honestly was just hoping to get into UCSC,UCR and SJSU but I had more options :). I went to two different CC’s. At my first one I did bad 2.5 GPA and didn’t have a direction on what to major. After being here for two years I went to another CC. At this CC I started off with 4.0 for 2 semesters and ended up having a 3.5 GPA at that CC. I also participated in school. I was a math tutor, SI leader, President of Math Club and Vice President of Engineering club. I honestly think that my EC activities helped them give me a shot. I also showed an upward trend of good grades. I know for engineering people think that you need 3.7+ GPA, but its not always the case. I got into pretty good schools like UCSD and UCSB also Cal Poly Ponoma. I chose UC Davis because I like the atmosphere and I feel that I will be successful there. I also got more aid from them and will be living with my uncle so will save money. Don’t give up just keep doing well and get some EC in there. To TAG to UCSC you just need a 3.0 I think that tagging might be your best bet. Good Luck. </p>
<p>Using UC Santa Cruz as a guide (since out of three UCs you’ve listed, you’ll relatively have a higher chance of getting admitted) you may have a chance transferring this year. UC Santa Cruz has a 57.2% admission rate and an average gpa of 3.41 (which my guess for their average gpa for electrical engineer major is roughly around 3.5~3.7).</p>
<p>My best guess is that if you can get a straight B+s or greater for Fall semester then I think you have a fair to good chance of getting admitted to UC Santa Cruz. Anything lower will diminish your chances significantly (especially if it’s below a 3.0 average).</p>
<p>If some how you don’t make it this year (I hope not) then I extremely recommend you to apply for the TAG with UC Santa Cruz next year. It seems you don’t meet the requirements for it this year, but if you maintain a B average you have a good shot for it TAG next year. However, keep in mind that TAG requirements could change next year. </p>
<p>Yeah, I was actually just looking into UCSC’s TAG for EE but I am required to have like 4 of the major prep courses by the time I sign it ( which I won’t) So it looks like I can either wait an extra year (not what I want to do) Or apply for the next year. If I just apply regular, should I still try to take all my classes by this next spring or should I splitt it up a little bit just in case I don’t get in ( but then my worry is I wont get in because I wouldn’t have had everything done! )</p>
<p>My uneducated guess (not being an expert on engineering) is that you should wait because the TAG is your sure ticket in. There is also the option of applying now as a regular and then if you don’t make it TAG next year. You have nothing to lose. </p>
<p>Your chances for a UC are almost 0 as it stands now, your best bet is to kill it from here on out and reassess how you are doing. If you manage to ace through Calc 2,3, DE, Linear Algebra and physics, then you pretty much make up for a lackluster past. </p>
<p>Honestly, you have yet to get into the bulk of your classes, so your plans could change. I would personally space it out and take your time just looking at your past grades. You are going to get swamped taking LA, DE, Calc 3 and physics at the same time. </p>
<p>Please remember TAG may not be there next year as you’re all assuming it is. I made that mistake with UCSB, who pulled engineering off their TAG this year. If I’d pushed last year I may have been eligible to TAG last year while it lasted. I’m not saying any of your choices are wrong. Just remember TAG isn’t guaranteed to be there. However, if you would have been TAG eligible, you’ll probably be a competitive candidate.</p>
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