<p>I’ve applied to UCB and UCLA as a Junior, but only because I have 45 transferable AP credits. I’m currently a Freshman by age, but sophomore by classes and credits. After this year, I’ll have 96 credits when I’m done this year. However, my final grades just got posted and I have a 2.2 GPA. Awful, but it’s also my first quarter at college (Western Washington University) and I’m not taking any easy classes (Calc 1, Bio 204, Greek Mythology 350). I’m a bioengineering/biophysics major, however WWU doesn’t have either of these so I have to transfer. How much do the admissions officers look at the january update we all have to submit? For instance, even though I have a trash GPA right now, theoretically I could pull straight A’s the next two quarters and end with a 3.4 GPA by the end of spring.</p>
<p>Obviously not everyone has a perfect start to their college career, but how much will this affect me? I have lots of EC’s, leadership, work, etc., so that’s not an issue. Essay is great as well. I’m just worried that this little blip will hurt me too much.</p>
<p>haha I was in shock that you have the courage to apply for UCs with 2.2 gpa. Yes jan update matter the most. If u could pull up ur gpa to around 3.0, then you have a chance at UCR, UCM.
by pull up I mean your Total gpa need to be 3.0 or more. For spring, you don’t need it. They don’t care about ur spring grade, but expect u to complete with Bs or better. Or Cs</p>
<p>3.4 still not good enough for ucb and ucla. If you only apply to those 2 UCs then good luck bro.</p>
<p>Yeah it’s not what I had expected. I was definitely not prepared to apply with this GPA, but final grades came out after I applied. I’m actually not positive that that is what my grades will be (they’re just an estimation based on my current grades, but I know some teachers curve the whole class at the end). It is what it is, though. I figured I wouldn’t have a shot at UCB or UCLA, but we’ll see I guess. It sucks that one quarter can mess up my entire chances. I didn’t apply to any other UC’s since my current university is equal to or better than them already. Is there any way to offset the damage that has been done? Like writing a letter to explain or switch to a less competitive major?</p>
<p>Im sorry to hear that. As far as i know, it is even harder for university transfer into another university. Basically, why do you want to leave? I think you should raise ur gpa up to around 3.7+ for a chance. And you can’t heal what u have done, unless u got into a car accident that paralyze you for the whole semester then that is another story LOL. You cant just go up and say oops I messed up, can i redo it again? haha</p>
<p>True. Main reason for transferring is that WWU doesn’t offer either a biophysics or bioengineering major. That, combined with a limited social setting and few things being accessible without a car (can’t afford one), makes me want to leave. I didn’t get into UW last year (don’t even get me started on that whole snafu…) so I’m trying to do what I can to get out of WWU and into a larger university. </p>
<p>I guess I could always work my ass off this year and next and then transfer as a junior again with a higher GPA, but just not list my AP classes. Though, it might look strange for a Junior to have completed all Junior-level coursework already.</p>
<p>Also, do you think switching my major from Bioengineering to Biophysics would help? Biophysics is in the school of Letters and Science, not Applied Science like Bioengineering. Last year, the average admitted GPA for Biophysics was 3.23, while Bioengineering was 3.72.</p>
<p>I’m not familiar with your case, so I would wait for more opinions. I hope some one in this forum can help you or atleast give you some advices.</p>
<p>First and foremost shoutout to Ferrari for being the first or second person to comment on every thread; Whether its helpful or not </p>
<p>Well, I believe that the January Update is very important since most Adcoms will use those grades and past (if any) to make admission decisions. I was told by a close friend that more competitive schools ie UCLA and CAL use course world load to Gage a student and his fit with the university. At the end of the day, they want someone who can graduate in 4 years, and use that seat to put someone else in. Retention rates are big among schools like UCLA and CAL. </p>
<p>I actually hope so. My chances for UCLA are pretty crappy because of a pre-req situation I got my first 4.0 ever (or I’m pretty sure I did) this quarter…I hope it actually counts for something because I went to crazy ends to earn it.</p>
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I got my first 4.0 ever (or I’m pretty sure I did) this quarter…I hope it actually counts for something because I went to crazy ends to earn it.</p>