<p>My sister got into a BS Biochemistry program in UCSB as a junior, transferring credits from a university in the Philippines with a GPA of 3.0.</p>
<p>She graduated recently.</p>
<p>I am choosing a non-impacted major, BS Mathematics, and I am applying to the most merciful campuses of UC.</p>
<p>My GPA is 2.5. I earned my college credits from the Philippines and I’m a permanent resident of California for over 2 years.</p>
<p>Also I have only completed one 3-unit English composition course, and the Seven Course Pattern requires two 3-unit courses. I am enrolling in community college this spring for that other English course, but I’m not sure if the statement “must be completed by spring” means that I’m too late if I enroll ON spring.</p>
<p>Years ago, I talked to a community college counselor and she advised me to just take the Transfer Admission Guarantee and start all over again. Back then I didn’t want to throw away the (sloppy) work I spent on passing critical subjects, but now I am considering it.</p>
<p>So, do I have any slim chance to get into UC now? Or should I take my time in the Transfer Admission Guarantee? More anecdotal accounts of successful transferees with lower GPA’s (and higher luck) would certainly be very much appreciated in here.</p>
<p>You’d want to heed your conselor’s words. Your stats are very low and you will most likely be rejected by any UC. As for the English requirement, I believe you may take that in the spring. However it won’t reflect too well on your application because colleges prefer the math and English courses completed as soon as possible. </p>
<p>You won’t get in now, but take your time at the CC and work hard to boost your stats and I’m sure you’ll have a better chance of getting in the next time around.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for the almost instant reply.</p>
<p>I will most likely not submit my UC application (tomorrow’s the deadline) and save the money for the Transfer Admission Guarantee. I was hoping that UC Riverside, and the recently accredited UC Merced, might accept me, and once I’m in UC my GPA is reset and I, with hard work, can graduate with honors like my sister did–and my sister says I’m smarter than her despite my GPA. After getting in the top university in the Philippines I found little motivation to strive for anything above the passing grade, and we never thought that we’d someday have to leave for America. (My uncle filed a petition before my sister and I were born and it was accepted 25 years later.) It’s too late for me to go back–I’ll just feel more of a loser than I already am.</p>
<p>But still, one real story of someone getting into UC with similar circumstances might change my mind. The minimum GPA required by UC Riverside is 2.4.</p>
<p>EDIT: Ferrari4XD, you’re right ): The minimum GPA for BS Mathematics in UC Riverside is 2.7, and 2.4 for humanities, arts, and social sciences. Again, thanks for everything everyone.</p>