<p>I'm currently a freshman at Penn State and I've been thinking about transferring to a university in California since my interests have massively changed from business to media after writing for my school's newspaper. So far, I'll have only about 32 credits, so I can't apply to any UCs. I'm only applying to USC Annenberg for its Communication major, but I'm not sure if I'll get in, so I'm kind of planning ahead just to be on the safe side. I'll be finishing off this semester with a 3.7/3.8 gpa, and I plan on keeping it that range for a long, long time. I'm mainly taking gen eds such as college algebra, economics, sociology, english comp, and some pre-reqs for my major. Do UC schools need 60 TRANSFERRABLE credits? Sorry if this has been posted before. Is there an articulation site where I can compare out of state universities with UC courses? So, yeah...I've been eyeing UCLA, but I'm wondering other options since UCLA is super competitive. Oh, and I'll be getting in-state tuition if I go a UC.</p>
<p>UCLA is probably best for communication. Cal’s is now called Media Studies, and is (like just about everything at Cal) pretty good, and somewhat easier to get into than UCLA’s program. </p>
<p>For UCLA, don’t bother applying if you have less than a 3.85. California Community College students have priority consideration, and the overall average GPA for admitted students is 3.9 or so. Since you’re at a disadvantage, coming from an OOS school, you’ll have no chance if you have a below-average GPA. I remember reading a year or two ago that UCLA didn’t even look at applications from students with less than a 3.9, but I don’t know if that’s true. Regardless, UCLA is pretty focused on GPA, and yours will likely be below the average for communications, which is one of the most competitive majors at UCLA.</p>
<p>You should have a great shot at USC, and a good shot at Cal (limited only by the CCC preference).</p>
<p>For UCs, you’ll want to use assist.org to get an idea of the major prerequisites for each major (just choose a community college at random and use the UC column on the left of the printout). Compare each course’s catalog description with those of classes offered by Penn State and try to take classes that will satisfy those major prerequisites. That’s the best you can do–UCLA advises exactly that (just comparing course descriptions).</p>
<p>The single most important factor in UC admissions is prerequisite completion, followed closely by overall GPA, and then major GPA. ECs and the like are all but irrelevant (except at Cal… I’d guess they’re maybe 20% of the decision there).</p>
<p>Yes, UCs need 60 transferrable credits. It is possible to be a sophomore transfer, but very tough. Junior transfers have priority.</p>
<p>Cool insights, guys! I guess I’ll just go on ahead and apply to USC. If I don’t get in, I’ll be applying to Cal, UCLA, UCSB, and UCSD my junior year if I keep up with the requirements.</p>