I’m currently a first year biological sciences major at UCI. I’m in the CHP and got a 3.61 GPA for my fall quarter. I am currently not involved in any extracurriculars. I got back into playing the saxophone (after a long lay off), and will be joining the Anteater band next quarter.
I choose to go to UCI because I got into their honors program (small class sizes, priority registration, etc. who can say no?). But now, I realized that I don’t really like it there. Everything is expensive, the students are not as motivated, and the campus is dead more often than not. They don’t offer a minor in music; the quarter system basically makes it impossible for me to apply to off-campus summer research internships (Spring quarter ends on June 9th, and most internships begin earlier than that). I am going to do summer research on campus since I have no other choice.
I want to know if I have a shot at getting into UCB as a transfer. I’m going to try my level best to grind out atleast a 3.85 overall GPA by the end of my spring quarter. By the time I apply I will have done an independent summer research project, doctor shadowing, medicine-related volunteering, and have played in the Anteater band for 2/3 quarters.
My senior year high school GPA was horrible (1st semester: 3.5 UW; 2nd semester: 3.2 I think. 1 C. Rest B’s and A’s); my overally HS gpa UW: 3.73. My highest SAT score was 2090, and my highest ACT score was a 32. I know: they are really weak.
Can/should I retake the SAT or ACT before applying as a transfer? Do I stand a good chance at making it into UCB as a transfer?
I mainly want to go to UCB because they have a very well-reputed cell and developmental biology program, and I can commute to the campus.
A 3.85 overall GPA will make you much more competitive for transfer - especially at UCB. Consider UCLA as well - they view applicants from CCs and UCs equally.
The quarter system shouldn’t be that much of an impediment on research opportunities…
If you’re dead-set on transferring to UCB, then it’s best to go from a CC - you can likely raise your GPA tremendously (if you get all As), and it will be easier to complete requirements for your major.
If you want to stay at UCI instead, you will need a Letter of Reciprocity before you transfer certifying that you have completed all of your colleges GE requirements. Talk to a counselor about that. You will also want to avoid taking upper division classes, if possible - if you take only lower-div classes, then you won’t go over a unit limit, whereas taking upper-div units will put you over the 105 (maybe it’s more? like 120 max? not sure - only 105 quarter units or 70 semester units will transfer over MAX) quarter unit limit (if you surpass it). Careful planning can avoid that. AP units won’t put you over the limit, butt as stated, they can help you reach the minimum.
You will also need to complete all of the major prep as listed on your desired major’s website. Check assist.org for articulation agreements with UCB’s program as well - it won’t show courses from UCI, but it’ll help you get a feel.
Letter of reciprocity (if transferring from UCI) / GE (either IGETC or Breadth if transferring from a CC) + all major prep completed + high GPA (aim for 3.85+) will make you a competitive applicant. They consider your GPA as it stands by the end of Fall 2016, if you are applying for Fall 2017 admission.
Going to a CC would probably increase your chances of transferring quite a bit, if you’re dedicated enough.
Also, HS grades and SAT/ACT scores (except subject test credits) are entirely irrelevant for applying. Having many AP units won’t give you any benefit in the transfer admissions process.
Thank you for your responses. @goldencub I am going to transfer out of UCI. I didn’t know that they consider GPA as it stands by the end of Fall 2016 (I am applying form Fall 2017); that’s awesome–one more chance to increase the overall GPA. I’m glad to hear that HS stuff and test scores don’t matter.
I thought that UCB viewed applicants from CCs and other UCs equally; only UCLA does that?
CC has a slight priority for UCB. I’m pretty sure LA weighs them equally. It’s not impossible to transfer from UCI to UCB though, you’ll just have to plan very carefully, completing all courses you need for your major at UCB as well as obtaining your letter of reciprocity.
