Advice for College of the Canyons students transferring to UCLA

I'm a student at College of the Canyons interested in transferring to UCLA. What are some key things I should know about the transfer process, and how can I increase my chances of getting in?

It's excellent that you're setting a goal to transfer to a prestigious university like UCLA. The transfer process has a few different steps, and you'll need to strategically prepare to give yourself the best chance of acceptance.

1. Eligibility: UCLA requires a minimum 3.2 GPA for California residents and 3.4 for out-of-state students. Aim to maintain a higher GPA to be a more competitive applicant. Completing the IGETC (Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum) can also be beneficial, as it will cover the lower-division general education requirements at UCLA.

2. Major Preparation: UCLA emphasizes major preparation when reviewing transfer applications. So, ensure you're taking courses that align with your intended major at UCLA. You can use the assist.org tool to determine which classes at College of the Canyons will fulfill prerequisites for your intended major at UCLA.

3. TAG Program: The Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program does not include UCLA; however, it's beneficial to meet with a counselor to create an academic plan anyway.

4. Personal Insight Questions: UCLA asks transfer students to respond to one required question and then choose three out of seven additional questions. It's essential your responses reflect your individual experiences, illuminate your personal qualities, and demonstrate your fit with UCLA and your intended major. Stay authentic and focus on illustrating growth and introspection.

5. Activities: Extracurricular activities can play a role in your admissions decision, so it would be useful to demonstrate deep involvement or leadership in a handful of campus clubs or organizations that you're passionate about.

6. UCLA TAP Program: If you're in the Honors Program at your community college, you might be eligible for this program (UCLA Transfer Alliance Program), which offers additional support during the admissions process.

Lastly, remember that UCLA doesn't just consider numerical factors during review. They're looking for students who will contribute to their community in meaningful ways. Involvement in your current college community or local community, Personal Insight Questions, and the context of your life experiences all play a substantial role.

The transfer process can be complex, so it's never too early to start preparing. Good luck!