What do colleges look for in a transfer applicant?

IzzieBear
Tue, 14 Jun 2005 02:30:15 +0000

The UC application process for transfers isn’t very different from the process freshmen endure. Only thing is, if you’re a junior transfer, you don’t need to fill out your high school classes and grades, or record SAT scores (but you’re welcome to if you have them).

You should check out www.assist.org and look up what classes are required to declare a major at your university of choice. See which classes offered at your JC are equivalent to the required courses at the four year uni. Then, proceed to take as many of these courses as possible, as UC’s like to see that you are well prepared and involved in your major.

Try to do your best. Your grades from high school will no longer matter, so obtain good grades in junior college. To be safe, I would say stay above a 3.2 for the lower to mid UC’s, but of course, aim higher if you’re hoping for UCB or UCLA (think 3.5+, depending on major, of course).

Ask about IGETC - it’s an added bonus (occasionally something the university will expect of prepared transfers) that if certified, allows you to declare yourself finished with your general ed requirements.

Write excellent personal statements - this is sometimes the deciding factor!

Research well and have an idea of your university goals. Visit the campuses you are interested in, talk to current students and admissions officers, if possible. CC is a great resource, full of really intelligent, helpful people, so take advantage of it!

Good luck; MexBruin was right, most of us were very fortunate to be accepted to our dream schools. But if you put your mind to it, and take the whole process very seriously, it’s cake.