Transfer Q&A — Campus Selection Practices
-
How is GPA used in the admissions process?
-
Which majors screen for major preparation in the selection process?
-
Does your campus admit students in an alternate major if they cannot be accommodated in a first-choice major?
-
May a transfer student change his or her major after enrolling at a UC campus?
-
What are the limitations or restrictions on IGETC acceptance for students who attended a UC campus, then transferred to a California community college before transferring as a junior to the same UC campus? What if former UC students transfer from a CCC to a different UC campus?
-
How are international applicants transferring from a California community college selected for admission?
-
Which campuses accept students pursuing second baccalaureate degrees?
-
Does your campus allow "Credit/No Credit" grading to meet major preparation course requirements?
How is GPA used in the admissions process?
UCB
Most programs use the applicant's overall GPA for consideration and selection. The College of Letters and Science, however, uses the overall UC-transferable GPA.
UCD
Admission decisions are based primarily on the overall GPA in UC-transferable courses. In selective majors, such as the Biological Sciences and Psychology, both the overall GPA and the GPA for key courses for the major are considered in the selection process. In majors that are not selective, only the overall GPA is considered.
UCI
Generally, applicants with the highest grades overall are admitted. In selective majors both the overall and specific GPAs for prerequisite courses are considered in the selection process.
UCLA
The role of the GPA in admissions depends on the major. For applicants to majors in all life sciences, Economics and Psychology, both the overall GPA and the GPA for the courses required for major preparation are considered in the selection process. In other majors, only the overall UC-transferable GPA is considered.
UCM
Admissions decisions are based primarily on the overall GPA in UC-transferable courses.
UCR
Admissions decisions are based primarily on the overall GPA in UC-transferable courses. Selective majors such as those in the School of Engineering review GPA for admission to the major.
UCSD
Admissions decisions are based primarily on the overall GPA in UC-transferable courses. Selective majors in the School of Engineering review GPA for admission to the major.
UCSB
Admissions decisions are based primarily on the overall GPA in UC-transferable courses. Selective majors require a GPA higher than the GPA required for campus admission.
UCSC
Admissions decisions are based primarily on the overall GPA in UC-transferable courses. Some selective majors require a GPA in major-preparation courses that is higher than the GPA required for campus admission.
top
Which majors screen for major preparation in the selection process?
UCB
The Haas School of Business and all majors in the Colleges of Engineering, Chemistry, Environmental Design and Natural Resources review junior transfer applicants for major preparation.
Applicants to majors in the College of Letters and Science are not admitted directly into a given major but are reviewed based on the division in which their indicated major is located. All applicants to majors in the Division of Biological Science are screened for completion of work comparable to Berkeley’s Biology 1A-B, one year of general chemistry and, for the major in Molecular and Cell Biology, one year of organic chemistry. All applicants to the Computer Science major are screened for appropriate math and computer science preparation (see www.assist.org for details).
Each applicant to an impacted major—Chemistry, Cognitive Science, Economics, Legal Studies, Mass Communication, Political Economy of Industrial Societies, Psychology and Social Welfare—is screened carefully for completion of as many prerequisite courses as are available at the student's California community college. Applicants to all other majors in the College of Letters and Science are expected to have completed as many lower-division major prerequisites as possible before admission.
UCD
The following majors screen for major preparation in the selection process: all majors in the Colleges of Engineering and Biological Sciences; three majors in the College of Letters and Science (Communication, International Relations and Psychology); and two majors in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (Biotechnology, and Viticulture and Enology).
UCI
The following majors are reviewed for completion of course prerequisites: Biological Sciences, Engineering, Information and Computer Sciences: all majors; Health Sciences: Nursing Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Public Health Policy, Public Health Sciences; Interdisciplinary Studies: Computer Science and Engineering; Physical Sciences: all majors; Social Sciences: Business Economics, Economics, and Quantitative Economics. Dance and Music majors must audition and be selected by faculty. Nursing Science majors must submit a supplemental application. (Business Administration when available in fall 2010.)
UCLA
The number of major-preparation courses completed is an important factor in the admissions process for all majors at UCLA. Students applying to Nursing, the Engineering majors and highly selective majors in the College of Letters and Science are strongly encouraged to complete most, if not all, of the major-preparation courses. Students applying to majors in the School of the Arts and Architecture and the School of Theater, Film and Television are reviewed and selected by the faculty in the department to which they apply; they are required to submit supplemental information such as a portfolio, interview or audition.
UCM
Major preparation is strongly encouraged for all majors. Completing at least one year of calculus and one year of general chemistry is essential for progress to degree for students majoring in Engineering and Natural Sciences.
UCR
Applications to the following majors are reviewed for completion of major-preparation coursework: Business Administration; all majors in the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering (including Computer Science and Information Systems); and the following majors in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences: Biochemistry, Biology, Biological Sciences, Botany and Plant Sciences, and Chemistry.
UCSD
Lower-division preparation for all majors is strongly encouraged. Applicants interested in selective majors must meet specific subject and grade requirements. Applicants to Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Bioengineering and Bioengineering-Biotechnology must meet specific major-preparation and grade requirements in order to be admitted to those majors. Effective for fall 2006 applicants, all Engineering applicants must complete all lower-division major-preparation courses determined by the Jacobs School of Engineering for the major.
UCSB
Applicants in Engineering, Computer Science, Biological Sciences, Economics and Business Economics are screened for at least partial completion of major-preparation coursework. Applicants in the performance majors of Dance, Music and Theater must audition. Applicants to the College of Creative Studies must complete a supplemental application.
UCSC
Majors in the Baskin School of Engineering and the Art major have additional review processes; however, students may still be admitted to the campus even if they are denied admission to those specific majors.
top
Does your campus admit students in an alternate major if they cannot be accommodated in a first-choice major?
UCB
Students who cannot be accommodated in a first-choice major will not be admitted in an alternate major.
UCD
UCD occasionally offers applicants who have applied to selective majors admission to non-selective alternate majors.
UCI
An applicant may be considered for admission to an alternate major if the applicant cannot be accommodated in his/her first-choice major.
UCLA
In general, applicants are not considered for admission to alternate majors.
UCM
Students who cannot be accommodated in a first-choice major may be admitted in an alternate major.
UCR
UCR may offer students admission into an alternate major if they do not meet selection criteria for a first-choice major. All applicants to Business Administration and all majors in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences and the College of Engineering should indicate an alternate non-selective major on the application.
UCSD
UCSD may offer students admission into an alternate major if they do not meet selection criteria for a first-choice major. Applicants to impacted majors in the Jacobs School of Engineering (Bioengineering or Bioengineering-Biotechnology) are strongly encouraged to complete all major-preparation classes. There also is a GPA requirement to be admitted. Students applying to an impacted engineering major should choose a non-impacted engineering major as their alternate choice.
UCSB
An applicant may be considered for admission to an alternate major if a valid alternate major is indicated on the application. Such decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
UCSC
Applicants applying to majors in the Baskin School of Engineering should indicate an alternate major on the application.
May a transfer student change his or her major after enrolling on a UC campus?
UCB
Students applying to the professional schools and colleges are admitted directly to the major and should not plan to change majors. Applicants to majors in the College of Letters and Science are admitted to the division that administers the major; once on campus, they are expected to formally declare a major in that division. Because some majors are impacted and students are expected to declare a major within one semester of admission, opportunities to move into a major in a different division are very limited.
UCD
Students may change majors after they are enrolled for one quarter. For most majors, this change is relatively easy. However, selective majors, such as those in the College of Engineering, have criteria that students must meet before they are allowed into the programs. There is no guarantee that a student can change to a selective major. Students should consult the "Academic Information" section of the UC Davis General Catalog for specific information about changing majors.
UCI
Students may petition for a change of major at any time after enrolling. However, some majors have more restrictive change-of-major criteria than others. The student may need to meet course and/or GPA requirements to be admitted to another major. Students should consult with an academic counselor before submitting the Change of Major Petition. For more information, see www.due.uci.edu/Change_of_Major.html.
UCLA
A student’s ability to change majors is determined by many factors, like cumulative grade point average, the completion of major-preparation courses with strong grades and space within a department. It is possible for students to petition to change majors after transfer; however, it is unlikely in some instances and impossible in others. All Life Sciences and Economics majors, Political Science, and Psychology do not allow transfer students to change into these departments after transfer. It is much more difficult to change to majors in the sciences, engineering, and the arts, or any other major that is very selective or has a high number of preparation courses.
UCM
Generally, students may change majors, although they may be required to demonstrate a specific performance level in major-preparation courses before doing so.
UCR
Generally, students may change majors after enrolling at UCR. However, transfer students who are not initially admitted to their first-choice major due to limited or inappropriate major preparation are unlikely to be admitted to the major at a later date.
UCSD
Generally, students may change majors. However, effective fall 2006, continuing UCSD transfer students who were not accepted into an engineering major as entering students and who wish to change to a non-impacted engineering major will be screened for completion of required major-preparation coursework. Interested students should make an appointment to speak with departmental undergraduate advisers prior to changing their major for more details. Please note that selective majors — Bioengineering and Bioengineering-Biotechnology, within the Jacobs School of Engineering — have established screening criteria that do not allow for change of majors.
UCSB
Generally, students may change majors. However, it is extremely unlikely that transfer students could change into Engineering, Computer Science, Biological Science, Economics or Business Economics majors after transfer. Students interested in changing majors in the College of Letters and Science must meet certain criteria based on UCSB coursework completed after transfer.
UCSC
Changes in major are not without a degree of difficulty; factors to be considered include the impacted status of a major, the student’s preparation for the major and the time-to-degree necessitated by the change. A student must obtain approval of the residential college in addition to obtaining approval for a new study plan from the new department.
top
What are the limitations or restrictions on IGETC acceptance for students who attended a UC campus, then transferred to a California community college before transferring as a junior to the same UC campus? What if former UC students transfer from a CCC to a different UC campus?
University of California campuses will not accept IGETC from a student who has attended a UC campus before enrolling at a community college and then returns to the same UC campus. That student is still responsible for the specific general education/breadth requirements of that UC campus. This policy does not apply to students who enroll at a UC campus before enrolling at a community college, then at a different UC campus. For students in the latter situation, the following campus-specific policies apply:
UCB
UC Berkeley will accept IGETC from students who have attended a different UC campus before enrolling at a community college that uses the UC work to help certify IGETC. At least half of the IGETC coursework should be taken at the California community college.
UCD
UC Davis will accept IGETC from students who have attended a different UC campus before enrolling at a community college and use the UC coursework to help certify IGETC. At least half of the IGETC coursework should be taken at the California community college. The College of Engineering honors IGETC; however, students who complete IGETC must still take two more upper-division general education courses. The College of Engineering prefers that all transfer students not attempt to complete IGETC.
UCI
UC Irvine will accept IGETC from students who have attended a different UC campus before enrolling at a community college. UC coursework may be used to certify IGETC.
UCLA
With the exception of students in majors in the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, UCLA will accept IGETC from students who have attended a different UC campus before enrolling at a community college; students may use the previous UC work to help certify IGETC.
UCM
UC Merced will accept IGETC from students who have attended a different UC campus before enrolling at a community college. UC coursework may be used to certify IGETC.
UCR
UC Riverside will accept IGETC from students who have attended a different UC campus before enrolling at a community college. UCR prefers that students take at least half of their transfer credits at the community college. IGETC is accepted by the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences and the College of Engineering.
UCSD
UC San Diego will accept IGETC from students who have attended a different UC campus before enrolling at a community college; such students may use UC work to help certify IGETC. To do so, students must meet the UC definition of a California community college student.
UCSB
UC Santa Barbara will accept IGETC from students who have attended a different UC campus before enrolling at a community college; such students may use the UC coursework to help certify IGETC. To do so, students must meet the UC definition of a California community college student.
UCSC
UC Santa Cruz will accept IGETC from students who have attended a different UC campus before enrolling at a community college; such students may use the UC coursework to help certify IGETC. It is preferred that students take at least half of their transfer credits at the community college.
How are international applicants transferring from a California community college selected for admission?
UCB
International applicants (students in non-immigrant status) who have been attending a California community college are reviewed based on course preparation for the college/school, major and GPA. UC Berkeley gives priority to California residents and so is able to accommodate a limited number of international students, especially in very selective majors. The College of Letters and Science Division of Social Science does not admit international students for the fall term.
UCD
International applicants transferring from California community colleges are considered for admission along with all other community college applicants. Students who have studied outside of the United States must report all foreign coursework.
UCI
California community college students studying on F-1 visas will be reviewed as community college applicants for admission but as non-California residents for fee purposes.
UCLA
International applicants (students in non-immigrant status) who have been attending a California community college are reviewed based on the academic criteria for community college applicants. However, UCLA gives priority to residents of California and so is able to accommodate few F-1 visa students.
UCM
California community college students studying on F-1 visas will be reviewed as community college applicants for admission but as non-California residents for fee purposes. Non-native speakers of English must earn a score of 220 on the computer-based TOEFL, 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, 839 on the Internet-based TOEFL, 7.0 or higher on the IELTS (academic modules) exam, or earn a grade of B or better in each of two UC-transferable courses in English composition.
UCR
California community college students studying on an F-1 visa will be reviewed as community college applicants for admission purposes but as non-California residents for fee purposes. Non-native speakers of English must earn a score of 213 on the computer-based TOEFL, 550 on the paper-based TOEFL or 79 on the Internet-based TOEFL, or earn a grade of C or better in each of two UC-transferable courses in English composition.
UCSD
International applicants who qualify as California community college students will be considered for admission. Non-native speakers of English must earn a minimum score of 220 on the computer-based TOEFL, 83 on the Internet-based TOEFL, or earn a grade of B or better in each of two standard English composition courses.
UCSB
In general, a community college student on an F-1 visa is treated as a California community college applicant; however, students on F-1 visas must apply for fall term admission.
UCSC
International applicants who have been attending a California community college are selected based on community college criteria. Non-native speakers of English must earn a score of 220 on the computer-based TOEFL, 550 on the paper-based TOEFL or 83 on the Internet-based TOEFL, or earn a grade of B or higher in each of two UC-transferable courses in English composition. UC Santa Cruz will also accept a score of 7.0 on the IELTS (academic modules) examination.
top
Which campuses accept students pursuing second baccalaureate degrees?
The University would like to accommodate all students who wish to enroll for baccalaureate-level work. However, due in large part to the enrollment constraints of the University, students pursuing a second baccalaureate degree have less priority than do those who are seeking a first degree.
UCB
Currently, second-baccalaureate-degree applicants are considered only by the College of Chemistry and (rarely) the College of Engineering.
UCD
Second-baccalaureate-degree applicants will be considered in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in the following majors only: Biotechnology, Landscape Architecture (pre-), and Viticulture and Enology. Second-degree students are considered in the College of Engineering only if the student’s first degree was not in engineering and if he or she completes lower-division preparatory work at, and transfers from, a California community college.
UCI
Second-baccalaureate-degree applicants will be considered for admission, subject to the approval of the dean or director of the UCI school or program in which the second degree will be earned. In general, students are selected on a case-by-case basis. Second-baccalaureate applications are accepted for fall quarter only, and interested candidates should contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office before applying.
UCLA
Second-baccalaureate-degree applicants who possess the RN license are considered in the School of Nursing.
UCM
A very limited number of second-baccalaureate-degree applicants are considered for admission when enrollment allows. Students should contact the Admissions Office (transfer.ucmerced.edu) before applying.
UCR
Second-baccalaureate-degree applicants who have completed appropriate lower-division preparation for the intended major will be considered for admission, subject to approval of the dean of the college in which the second degree will be earned. Second-degree students will not be admitted to majors in which they have already earned a degree.
UCSD
Second-baccalaureate-degree applicants are not accepted at UCSD.
UCSB
A very limited number of second-baccalaureate-degree applicants are considered for admission when enrollment allows. Second-degree applicants should contact the Admissions Office before applying.
UCSC
Second-baccalaureate-degree applicants are evaluated on a case-by-case basis when enrollment allows. Applicants must have completed lower-division requirements for the proposed second degree. Second-degree applicants should contact the Admissions Office before applying.
top
Does your campus allow Credit/No Credit grading to meet major-preparation course requirements?
UCB
Courses taken with Credit/No Credit grading will not meet major-preparation course requirements.
UCD
Required courses for selective majors must be taken for a letter grade, with no grade less than a C. Otherwise, individual academic departments decide whether or not Credit/No Credit coursework satisfies lower-division major requirements. Students should inquire with the academic department of interest before choosing the Credit/No Credit option.
UCI
Courses taken with Credit/No Credit grading will not meet major-preparation course requirements.
UCLA
Letter grades are required to meet major-preparation course requirements for most UCLA majors.
UCM
Letter grades are preferred and may be required for certain majors. Where Credit/No Credit grades are acceptable, the catalog of the institution offering the course must indicate that Credit is equivalent to a grade of C (2.0) or better.
UCR
Individual academic departments decide whether or not Credit/No Credit coursework satisfies lower-division major requirements. Students should consult with the academic department of interest before choosing the Credit/No Credit option.
UCSD
Courses taken with Credit/No Credit grading will not meet major-preparation course requirements.
UCSB
Letter grades are preferred and are required for certain majors.
UCSC
Individual academic departments decide whether or not Credit/No Credit coursework satisfies lower-division major requirements. Students should inquire with the academic department of interest before choosing the Credit/No Credit option. Where Credit/No Credit grades are acceptable, the catalog of the institution offering the course must indicate that Credit is equivalent to a grade of C (2.0) or higher.
top
|
