Chance Me: 3.76 UW, moderate EC, Communication Studies - International student, transfer from CC to UCLA

I am an International Student and I have always dreamt of attending UCLA. I want to know my chances of getting in because although I have been an active member in my college, my GPA is low compared to the majority of admitted students for the Communications major at UCLA. It is an impacted major, and the 25th percentile of admitted students have a 3.8-3.9 GPA. The transfer requirement at UCLA for communications is 3.7. I feel like I have slim chances because of my GPA.

Intended Major(s)
Communication Studies/Film/Media Studies

  • College GPA: (for transfer applicants) 3.70

College Coursework
I have only completed my basic requirements, no honors program. Although I have been in the dean’s honors list every semester.

Awards
Student Profile of excellence in Graduation Program
Extracurriculars

  • Member of communication department for the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honors Society (1 semester)
  • Event Organizer for the International Student club (1 semester)
  • President of the International Student Club (1 year)
  • Director of Activities of the Student Government (1 year)
  • School’s pantry student worker for students with basic needs (1 year)
  • Student worker for the International Department (1 year)
  • Student worker for the Admissions center (1 semester)

Schools
I only want to got to UCLA but I am open to other suggestions.

Are you attending a California community college?

The most recent data states the admitted Transfer GPA for UCLA communications was a 3.95-4.00 with a 12% admit rate.

What if you are not admitted to UCLA? What is your backup? Are you willing to go outside California?

Other UC’s for communications:

UC Davis: 3.37-3.90 admit GPA with a 77% admit rate.

UC Santa Barbara: 3.41-3.90 with a 71% admit rate

UC San Diego: 3.38-3.90 with a 73% admit rate.

UC Berkeley Media studies: 3.72-4.00 with a 36% admit rate.

Best of luck.

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I am assuming you can afford the nonresident fees for UCLA?

Remember that just because you attend a community college does not mean that you will pay in-state rates for a UC. You’re still going to pay $75,000 a year.

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@Gumbymom , is my understanding correct that the UCs give preference to California residents among the CC applicants too? (Not clear what visa OP is/would be on which could affect this)

Yes, CA residents get preference if they attend a California community college when transferring.

I saw statistics a while ago that the majority of International students that are admitted to the UC’s as transfers do come from the California community colleges but I do not have the exact percentages vs International transfers from OOS/International schools.

The Preliminary admit rate for UCLA CA Transfers was 24% (23,310 applicants/ 5518 admits) Fall 2024 vs. International Transfers which were 16% (3094 applicants/ 506 admits).

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Hi, yes. I am attending a California community college, but I am an international student and do not think they will see me as a California resident.

Yes, I do not get in-state tuition. I am aware of the cost at any UC, but my family and I have prepared for it.

No, you will be evaluated as an International student but attending a CA CC helps your chances.

Thank you for your comment. UCLA is and has been my dream since forever but recently I have taken an interest for UC Irvine, Berkley and San Diego.
As an international student it is harder to find a community, and after 3 years of being here I feel like I found it. That is one of the main reasons why I do not want to move away and why I am not that interested in universities far from where I currently reside.

Well I wish you the best and hopefully UCLA comes through for you.

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Found this on the UCLA admission website:

Transfer applicants need to be at the junior level, that is, have taken college level coursework amounting to 90-130 quarter (60-90 semester) units of credit. UCLA gives preference to students transferring from California community colleges, including international students. Historically, over 80% of admitted international transfers were attending a California community college when they applied.

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