Hi everyone, I’m currently a sophomore at Boston University with a GPA of 3.76. Due to health reasons, I’m planning to take a leave of absence this spring semester. However, when I return to school, I really don’t want to stay in Boston anymore. I’m thinking about transferring to a school in California, ideally UCLA or USC.
I’m wondering what steps I should take to make this transfer possible. Should I focus on specific classes or extracurriculars to improve my chances? Are there any common obstacles I should expect during the transfer process? Also, how competitive would it be for someone with my GPA to get into these schools as a transfer student?
Additionally, do I need to attend a California community college to increase my chances of transferring, or is it possible to apply directly from BU?
I’d really appreciate any advice from people who have transferred to these universities or have experience with similar situations. Thank you in advance!
How many credits have you completed? Assuming you are not a California resident?
Do you have any cost constraints?
@Gumbymom
I can only offer you some information regarding UCLA for Transfer.
- UCLA accepts Junior level transfers with a minimum 60 semester/90 quarter units.
- GPA of 3.2 or higher earned in transferable courses.
- Completion of the following course requirements by spring prior to transfer:
- Two transferable courses in English composition or critical thinking and writing.
- One transferable math course that has a prerequisite of intermediate algebra or higher.
- Four transferable college courses in at least two of the following subject areas: arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, physical and biological sciences.
- Progress toward completion of major preparation requirements by spring prior to transfer.
- There may be additional lower-division requirements that students can complete at their current institutions or at UCLA. Should a major not have specific prerequisites, we expect students to demonstrate interest in academic study by completing coursework related to the major.
UCLA gives priority to California community college transfers and UC to UC transfers over all other types of transfers.
They use a Comprehensive/Holistic review which includes Academics, EC’s and Personal Insight essays for admission purposes. Here is the link to UCLA’s requirements including Major specific courses needed for Transfer: Transfer Requirements | UCLA Undergraduate Admission
Since OOS Universities do not have articulation agreements with the UC’s, you will need to match your BU courses to UCLA’s requirements. It is possible to apply with your BU courses if they are transferable and meet the UCLA requirements.
You can attend a California CC if there are course gaps needed to apply for transfer however, you would need to complete a minimum 30 semester/45 quarter units to get the CCC priority. You can assist.org for a local CCC which would list the articulated courses needed to transfer to UCLA or you can try Transferology dot com to help determine if additional courses for transfer will be needed. Trying to match your BU courses to the UCLA courses will be one obstacle.
I have linked the 2024 Transfer profile to help you determine what GPA is needed to be competitive and a competitive GPA is dependent upon your Intended major.
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