I was wondering how important prerequisites for UC Davis are. I am going to apply as a mechanical engineering transfer for fall 2021, and i’m currently a 2nd year ME major at UC Merced. I will finished 12/15 major requirements by the end of my 2nd year (13, if I choose to take a class over the summer) and 3/3 of the additional recommended classes. How would those 2-3 major requirements affect my acceptance chances? If I do not have them, will my application be skipped? Are admissions being more lenient because of covid?
I plan to have a GPA of around 3.6, with a few extracurriculars.
I think I have a very high chance of getting into SJSU, but was wondering what it is like. I plan on visiting the campus soon, since I live like 20 minutes away. How is the campus life and academics? Are classes very hard to get? Do you think it is more valuable to get a degree at SJSU or at UC Merced? (SJSU is definitely going to cost less money than UC Merced for me) I know that it’s all about how much effort you put in, but I think there are some pros and cons for each school. What do you guys think? What are the pros and cons of staying at Merced vs. going to SJSU?
Based on the 2019 Transfer GPA by major for UCD, the admit GPA range for ME was 3.49-3.85 so you are well within that range. UCD had a 22% admit rate for ME transfers.
Having as many major requirements completed prior to transfer will make you more competitive but your application will be reviewed regardless.
You are doing well at UCM, so there is no downside in trying your luck at UCD or SJSU as a transfer applicant and having UCM as your backup.
I would definitely visit both schools after your decisions are posted and determine which campus would be a better fit.
Since you will be taking mainly upper division courses after transfer, getting classes should not be an issue.
I would also check out the career centers at each school to see which companies recruit at the campuses.
An ME degree at any of the schools should offer you good job prospects.
Do you know of many cases where students are able to transfer to a UC while missing 2-3 major prerequisites? I called UC Davis admissions and they said that if I was missing prerequisites, I basically do not have a chance of being accepted. That completed destroyed my confidence/motivation.
Since ME is a “selective major” all UC campuses will screen applicants for major prep completion. It is possible to be accepted, but it will depend upon how you compare to all the other ME transfer applicants. I would still apply if you can afford the $70 application fee, since you never know for sure until you try.
For SJSU, the following information is for ME transfers.
So for SJSU, the more major prep courses completed, the lower the GPA required to get an acceptance.
