DJpsu2015

Hi, guys. I'm currently a freshmen at Penn State - UP, and, to tell you the truth...I don't like it all. My classes are great, but, strangely, I don't feel challenged at all, really, and the social scene is dreadfuleople get ***** faced every night. I'm originally from Seattle, WA, and I miss west coast to death already. I'm currently a media studies major (with an emphases on film and television) and I really want to transfer to UCLA or UCB, but more so UCLA (my dad wants me to apply to UCB). I want to know the down-low on how to successfully prepare myself as a transfer student. I'm already aware they give priority to community college students, csu, and then uc schools. I'm currently aiming to achieve a 3.7+ gpa. I'm worried to apply after my freshmen year because I wasn't an outstanding high school student; I worked hard, but my grades were average: 3.36 unweighted gpa, 1800 SAT, lots of extracurricular activities, sports, etc. I also don't feel like the program i'm in (media studies/film studies/rhetoric) is very strong here at PSU. I'm currently writing for the school paper and in the film club. How do I adequately prepare myself as a transfer student to UCLA/UCB (or other UC schools)? I'm afraid my "average" numbers in high school will put me at a disadvantage. Any help, suggestions? Thanks.

IndieRockNRoll

Firstly, UCLA's communication studies program is so competitive that students from California community colleges with 3.9+ GPA's get rejected. If you find your school really all that easy for you, then you should be getting as close to a 4.0 as possible to have a chance. The communications (and film, if you were to pick up a film minor) are very strong at UCLA obviously, and that's why they're so hard to get in to.

Secondly, the UC's only take Junior level transfers. So you have another year until you can apply.

Your EC's sound very good and relevant, but your GPA will probably hinder you.

Good luck

DJpsu2015

Thanks, Indie!

I'm going to try and get a 4.0 in college to make up for the mediocre high school stats. I know UCLA is extremely competitive, so I was looking into UCSB and UCD, which also have the program(s) I want to study.

killmyentourage

I'm only answering this because I'm from PA and I also absolutely hated it there lol. Do try to give it a chance though, since you did just get there. Just for reference, they won't even consider your HS grades or SATs as a transfer student so don't worry about them. UCLA Comm is definitely going to be a reach for ANY student, but I think it's good that you're looking into UCD and UCSB. Keep your GPA up (despite not liking it there) and make sure you are taking classes that seem like they have an equivalent class at the UCs. Use assist.org to get an idea on what lower level CC pre-reqs were transferable so you can choose Comm classes that will probably be transferable to the UCs as well. There are plenty of general education classes that are ubiquitous throughout 4-yrs. Also, involve yourself in a few ECs at your college that will set you apart and show your dedication and interest to your chosen major.

paperhearts0

Profile of Admitted Transfer Students - UCLA Undergraduate Admissions

that should help

more than ANYTHING unlike freshman admissions, UC's keep emphasizing that it's GPA + finishing major/ge requirements thats most important.

so make sure you do that! good luck!