Physics Transfer to Cal, UCLA, and UCSD: General Ed Track?

otoribashi
Fri, 20 Jun 2014 22:59:13 +0000

I just graduated from high school and need to submit a fall semester course outline for the Fall at my community college.

Cal’s 7-course Breadth

IGETC

or just the minimum UC transfer requirements? (2 english, 1 math, 4 courses in at least 2 subjects of arts&humanities, social&behavioral, life and physical sciences)

I know Cal and UCLA stress the importance of completing the major pre-reqs first, and physics has a lot of those. Also, those schools mention that IGETC isn’t ideal for someone majoring in a physical science. But I don’t know which general education track would be best for me to take. Realistically, I don’t think ill be able to fully complete Cal’s 7-course breadth or IGETC in 2 years, but I can complete the minimum requirements.

Would the minimum requirements be close to completing IGETC or the 7 course breadth? Should I attempt IGETC? Are my admissions chances negatively affected by not completing the 7 course breadth or IGETC before transferring, or will they understand that it’s difficult for a physical science major to complete all of the requirements?

Also, would it look bad if I took 2 years of Japanese instead of trying to take more of the other IGETC/7breadth courses? Technically I can test out of the foreign language requirement because of my AP scores, but I’ve always wanted to learn Japanese and college is a great chance to learn it. Would they look down on me for wanting to pursue my interests instead of attempting to complete every single IGETC/7Breadth course or would they find it admirable that I pursued a passion/interest?

How strict are they with prospective physics majors on general education requirements?

Thanks!