Hi
I am currently enrolled at PES University, Bangalore, India as a full time Computer Science major student. In my first year,
12 credits worth of CS with CGPA of 10/10.
-OOP with Java(4)
-Intro to computer Science and Information technology(4)
-Introduction to C programming(2)
-Unix lab(1)
-Java lab(1)
8 credits of mathematics(Calculus) course with a CGPA of 9.5/10
4 credits in physics theory and 1 credit in lab, CGPA of 10/10
4 credits in chemistry theory and 1 credit in lab, CGPA of 10/10
Now I am in my second year and signed up for CS and few mathematics courses(Most of which satisfy UC’s transfer requirements, except English comprehension which my university doesn’t offer). At the end of my sophomore year, I would have about 70(I think) UC transferable credits and would definitely maintain my CGPA above 9.5. These would include Discrete mathematics, Data structures, Algorithms, Database management, Microprocessors, Linear algebra etc
My question is, when should I start the transfer application process and will I be eligible for junior standing transfer?
What can I do during my sophomore year to have the best chance of being accepted for international transfer application?
Should I take SAT? (I will take TOEFL as it is a requirement)
What other procedures am I required to follow so that I can start my junior year of college in Fall of 2016 at UC?
You would be applying this cycle, in November, for Fall 2016 attendance.
You will need to have some general education courses to include in your transferable credits. One way to achieve this is to take online courses at California Community Colleges. Assist.org can help somewhat.
SAT is not required for transfer students. You’ll have to find any international student transfer rules at the UC(s) you wish to attend.
Please note that tuition and housing can be ~$55K+ USD per year for nonresidents.
Considering the avg GPA of admitted int’l transfer students at UCLA being 3.6, mine comes to be nearly 4(I only missed out on Mathematics-2 by one letter grade and miss on perfect 4, well converting from Indian scale to US scale). Do I stand a chance?
And at UCB, the admit rate is 9.8%. Do I stand a chance?
By the way I’m also an active member of IEEE student group, Microsoft students club, CSR - NGO offering help to needy students, member of literary club, co-ordinator of technical team of my college.
I have also developed some simple games on my PC and two simple apps for Android.
Considering all of this and my near close to 4 GPA, is it worth giving a shot at UCLA and UCB CS major?
The Cal States also have English, communication, and other general education requirements for transfers. Figure on ~$35K for tuition and housing. https://secure.csumentor.edu/
I do not know about the ways about fullfiling English and general courses. Would require some guidance on that please
I have one course in environmental science and one in constitution of India(useless though)
-Not to mention I have about 8 credits in ee courses
And since the fees for tuition is only for two years, I believe I can complete them on loan and some part time job on-campus.
My only question is if I’ll be accepted in the top UCs and about at least some scholarship possibilities
You cannot fulfill the English courses from a foreign language institute, except in certain rare instances with upper division literature courses. Even then you need to check. They’re super-strict on it, so I suggest you just assume they aren’t fulfilled.
You need to be working closely with a UC international specialist and not relying on CConfidential for this. It’s a very complicated procedure. Relying on this site will not help you in the long run.
If accepted you may be in the running for a regents, but go with the assumption that it is very unlikely you will get it. Essentially, don’t expect much of anything.
Again, getting into a UC as a transfer, direct from international, is not the ideal way and not necessarily one I would suggest. Make sure to have plenty of back-ups.
-I am from a university where medium of instruction is strictly English
-Can’t I be exempted from that, since there are no English courses at my university? Can’t I take them after entering a UC(just assuming, though I know its really hard)
-And what’s the ideal way then? I know I should have joined a CCC but back then, when i applied as a freshman at my univ, I was not well aware of anything. I’m just looking at a small opening now
There is no guarantee that the courses you have already taken, will fulfill the UC’s requirements. We see international students come here first, fulfill requirements at the local community colleges, then apply to transfer.
Since your university doesn’t offer the courses needed, you’ll have to search elsewhere. Your chances are very low at this time.
So you’re saying language of instruction is English?
You really need to talk with a UC international specialist. However, they would only possibly approve if there were what they consider comparable English composition courses. You say there are no English composition courses. If you got in, you would need to take at a UC.
But again, reach out. They are very helpful. We are only guessing here. They can tell you straight out what you need to do.
Update: You’re asking options for English. This is why you need to talk to a UC international specialist NOW. If there are options, they know them. We don’t.
Loan money will not be available from US institutions. Loans need to come from your country.
Working on-campus, as an international student, will be limited and based on your visa, so, don’t expect to make much from a part-time campus job- and they are competitive.
You really are not allowed to work off-campus with your student visa.
Students in the US are also required to take English coursework in literature and composition during their undergraduate general education.
Considering all this, is it better I choose some other university as this is getting too complicated?
If so, which is a good university for CS major which accepts international transfers without much complication and where the fees are less compared to UCs?
I do not want the best universities but good ones for CS with a lower tuition cost
Try the SuperMatch tool. Each university has its own transfer admission requirements and I am fairly certain that each one has an English course or two required. You asked on this forum about UCs so you might go one forum back and ask your question again.
No, it’s not impossible. Certainly apply. Just know from a stats point of view, it’s at the bottom rung, so prepare accordingly. If you really want it, go for it. The fact that you are at an English language school probably helps.