Realistically, how tough is it to transfer into top CA universities (Pepperdine, Berkeley, Stanford, UCLA?)?

Question

Even UC Santa Barbara or UC San Diego?

I have a 3.5 and am transfering from a California Community College.

Answer 1

For UC campuses your chances vary depending on your major. For transfer information from Berkeley, see: http://students.berkeley.edu/files/Admissions/Transfer_07.pdf UCLA, see: http://www.admissions.ucla.edu/prospect/adm_tr.htm UCSB, see: http://www.admissions.ucsb.edu/prospective/index.asp?context=prospective_transfer UCSD, see: https://tritonlink.ucsd.edu/portal/site/prospective-students/menuitem.24134797e5e2fd95a0b86710514b01ca?storyID=20885

The University of California also puts out a system-wide brochure for transfer students at: http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/educators/counselors/resources/materials/A4T.pdf

I'm not that familiar with Pepperdine or Stanford but I do know they take transfer students. Read the transfer information from the schools carefully and talk to their admissions reps about how you can boost your chance of acceptance. Pepperdine transfer info: http://seaver.pepperdine.edu/admission/information/appmattrans.htm Stanford transfer info: http://www.stanford.edu/dept/uga/applying/1_3_transfers.html

Answer 2

Stanford is probably out of the question. Most of the top private schools take very few transfer students -- and most of them are students transferring from top liberal arts colleges in order to study something not taught in their original school.

The UC schools reserve a certain nuymber of slots for community college transfers. I got my PhD at Berkeley & taught some undergraduate classes. Several of my students had done their first two years at community colleges.

I've included a link on their web site that should help you. You should also talk with the advisors at your current school. I'm sure that they have a lot of experience helping students get into four year colleges.

Answer 3

As a senior in high school, I know how hard it is to get into these schools straight out of high school, but by maintaining an above average GPA in college, with great goals and other extracurricular activities, you may easily get accepted into these amazing schools.

Answer 4

Stanford is private, so take that off the list - no chance.

Pepperdine shouldn't be on that list.

You have a decent shot at a UC school. Good luck.