Ex-straight A student: To what degree will a C hurt my transfer app?

Transfer Students
1

I am a computer science student at a community college. I got a C in the first physics-series, which is one of the pre-reqs for most of the UCs that I want to transfer to (Cal, UCLA and UCSD). I got a C because I did not have a time to study for my physics final, at all. I procrastinated for one of my coding class; I did 5 weeks worth of codes in 3 days before finals + term projects – excuses. The ‘C’ was my fault and I’ve learned my lesson the hard way. Mistakes will only be a mistake if you do not learn from it rightttt?

I can complete all of the pre-reqs that my school offers by the end of spring 2016 (i am applying to transfer for FA2016). However, I can only pick one university that I can do it too. Thus far, I have completed 68 credits (not all UC transferable) and I have 3.882 cumulative GPA. I would assume that about 22 of my credits are not UC transferable. My question is: did this C destroy my chances of getting into Cal and UCLA? Should I focus on UCSD or other universities?

2

Yes just because you have one C your dreams are crushed? Don’t worry about it

3

http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/uc-transfers/

4

The only negative thing I can think of is that it’ll stick out among the rest of your straight As and make Adcomms wonder why it was your only slip-up. But your GPA is still really good and I’m pretty sure you’ll get into at least one of the three UCs you’ve listed, and you’re still definitely competitive enough for Cal and UCLA.

5

Just get higher grades in the rest of the series.

6

I got a C in Calc 1 and was accepted to UCI, UCSD, UCSB, UCSC, and UC Berkeley. (didn’t apply to other UCs). That was for Econ, my cumulative was 3.64, depending on the major you apply for your results may vary. Just keep on grinding man, you’ll be fine.

7

Thanks for the replies. I hope I won’t make the same mistake again next semester. I’ve been so stressed out about it. I’m so paranoid about it that I booked a counselor appointment next week haha.

8

I don’t think the C will set you back if you keep your eye on the prize. Good luck!