Hello I am a freshman student attending UC Merced after being waitlisted to several UC’s after high school. I had the choice between UCM, private, or CC and now I’m beginning to feel worried for my future. I wish to transfer to UCLA in two years but I’ve been reading these treads which all basically say that it is very hard for an intercampus transfer. As of right now I’m taking 18 semester units as a Political Science major(though I still need a math over the summer). Should I just drop out for a CC or take my chanches for a high GPA and EC at Merced? Am I taking too many units at this point to even attempt this? Any responses would be greatly appreciated! I really want to go to UCLA in two years.
Transferring UC to UC is the second easiest after CCC transfers. And luckily for you, UCLA gives pretty much equal priority to CCC and UC transfers. Many people do what you’re attempting all the time. They also get into other UCs, Berkeley included (although Berkeley is the least accommodating).
What you need to do is complete the courses to get your Letter of Reciprocity from Merced, then complete the requirements for poli sci as laid out for UCLA (not Merced). Go to assist.org, choose UCLA, any CCC, and your major. Complete the required courses on the list. @fncrane can give you more info as he’s a recent UC-UC transfer accepted to UCLA.
Just keep in mind the unit caps. UCLA’s is 86.5 semester, Davis is 80, and the others are 90. Do not go over those when calculating your Merced units or you will not get in.
Check the average admitted GPA for poli sci transfers at UCLA here. (Note, it may be ok to be a bit lower if you’re coming from a UC, I would assume):
https://www.admissions.ucla.edu/prospect/adm_tr/Tr_Prof.htm
Hi there! @lindyk8 did a great summation of pretty much everything you need to know. If you’re applying to UCLA, the prerequisites you need for your major can be found here: https://www.admission.ucla.edu/prospect/adm_tr/UCLA_TAG.pdf.
Also, the Letter of Reciprocity is for your GE’s. If you finish all your lower division GE’s at Merced, they will send a letter to UCLA saying that you completed them and then you will be exempt from GE’s at UCLA.
Here’s some more info from Ms Sun, you should definitely familiarize herself with her site: http://■■■■■■■■■■■■/home/uc-transfer-admission-information/#uc2uc
Let me know if you have any other questions 
You’re taking 18 semester units for your first semester? :-S
I always recommend starting off light. Remember, you only need 60 semester units to be eligible to transfer (having more is fine, but as it was already said, be wary about how many units you will have by the end of your sophomore year). It’s better to have a high GPA taking 15 units than a lower GPA taking 18 units. If you feel that you can handle it, then go ahead, but it might be overwhelming.
Ah thank you very much for your comments! I will be sure to keep this tread open for anyone else who has something to say or add. But these answers have given me a lot of insight and hope. Once again Thank you!
@johnfuentesa I transferred from UCSC to UCLA this fall so it’s definitely possible. My ec’s in Santa Cruz weren’t that extensive but I had a strong GPA which made me competitive. It sucks that intercampus transfers have a lower priority though and there isn’t much information out there as there is for cc transfers. My advice for you, if you chose to stay at Merced, is to get involved in and take advantage of the different opportunities that aren’t offered at cc. I have a friend at Santa Cruz who’s also a poli sci major and his first year, he got involved in student government, went to a DC conference hosted by the UC system, and later traveled abroad (he’s focusing on international affairs). These experiences will set you apart from other applicants. Best of luck and enjoy your next two years wherever you are, they’ll go by fast 
@johnfuentesa also, complete your GE’s while at Merced. You’ll be eligible for the UC Reciprocity which is like IGETC for UCs. It’ll make you exempt from taking GEs at UCLA