UC Berkeley-Transfer Admittance

Transfer Students UC Transfers
1

<p>I am currently in my second year at a California CC as an economics major. I am debating about whether to be a 2 year or 3 year transfer.
If I apply as a 2 year transfer student, I will need to take 22 units next semester (Spring 2012) and will have very low extracurriculars.
If I apply as a 3 year transfer student, I will have time to disperse my course work over the extra semesters and make room for extracurrics such as: Student council, peer mentoring, volunteering, club officer positions, and scholarships.</p>

<p>Here are my current statistics:
*GPA: 4.0 (no problem maintaining it).
*Extracurriculars: Treasurer of the Anthropology club (1 yr; 6 hrs/week), member of the Psychology and Asian Pacific American clubs (1 yr; 3 hrs/week ea.), member of the Puente club (1 yr; 2 hrs/week).
*Work Experience: Shipping/receiving clerk (8 mo.; 24 hrs/week).
*Awards/Honors: N/A at CC level.
*Volunteer Work: N/A at CC level.
*Personal Statement:
Essay #1-I wrote about how my childhood experiences helped me develop my strong interest in economics. Because of extreme family conflict and my neurological disabilities, I was placed in various mental and group home institutions, as well as a vocational high school for two years. In these institutions, I noticed the powerful role that socio-economic factors played in shaping the lives of those around me and placing them where they are today. I was dedicated to learning more about how this happens and how outcomes may be changed.
Essay #2-I wrote about my undying tenacity. Being diagnosed with every neurological disorder on the Tourrette’s Syndrome spectrum, I must put forth much effort in order to function normally and achieve my goals. Despite my unfortunate circumstances, my tough childhood experiences have instilled the ability to never give up within me. As a result, I have strived to be the best student that I can be by devising ways to maximize my efficiency and excel in my studies, as well as become a role model for all of my peers. </p>

<p>With your subjective opinion, please tell me what you think my probability of admittance into UC Berkeley economics will be for both my 2 year and 3 year transfer plans. I understand that UC Berkeley economics is a highly competitive major, and I would appreciate honest opinions to help me make the best possible choice. Thank you so much.</p>

2

<p>I’m not too sure, but you would get better responses from the UCB forum - I’ve found people there to be really helpful. Good luck :D</p>

3

<p>Seems strong. Don’t you have Deans List to put as an award, though? You should, with your GPA.</p>

4

<p>FYI, the UCs don’t take your Spring semester grades or extracurriculars into account for admission.</p>

<p>If you feel like you’re really lacking in ECs and want to make yourself a better candidate for admission, then by all means take a 3rd year. Keep in mind that some of what you accomplish during college is going to be on your resume also. If 22 units seems too intense, I wouldn’t let my GPA suffer just for the sake of transferring early. Also, if you have a 4.0 and have been taking at least 12 units, you should definitely have some sort of Dean’s List award for each semester.</p>

<p>On the other hand, I stayed for three years at my CC and still didn’t really have many ECs other than working. I included some extremely relevant HS extracurriculars on my application as well. It seems like you already have quite a few and they consider having a job simultaneously while attending school to be a big plus.</p>

5

<p>I highly recommend forgoing the extra-curriculars and just applying this year. With a 4.0, as long as you have prereqs done or IP, you’re in everywhere. And the lack of EC’s is not a big deal.</p>

6

<p>Yeah I think that you should apply as a 2 year transfer as well. Both my roommates here at Cal are 2-year transfer Econ majors and they were both really strong in academics, but didn’t have as much going on with their extracurriculars. </p>

<p>You’re most likely in, because of your great GPA. And with good essays, ECs won’t matter as much. Also, I second what newsoul said, you should have Dean’s List to put on your application as an award.</p>